AN EXACT HISTORY of the several Changes of GOVERNMENT IN England, From the horrid Murder of King CHARLES I. to the happy Restauration of King CHARLES II. WITH The Renowned Actions OF General MONCK. Being the second Part of Florus Anglicus, by J.D. Gent.  
London, Printed for Simon Miller at the Star in St Paul's Churchyard, 1660.   

ENGLAND'S CONFUSION During its Interregnum.   

A General View of the various Governments in England since the Murder of Charles the first,  

1. England Governed by Oligarchy, from 1648. to 1653.  
2. Under Oliver Protector, the grand Tyrant, from 1653. to 1658.  
3. Under Richard not above seven Months.  
4. Under Fleetwood, Lambert, Vane, Haselrig, and the Rump of the Long Parliament.  
Lastly, The Actions of Renowned General Monck, the chiefest Instrument under God of restoring his Sacred Majesty Charles the second to his Crown and Kingdoms.    

TO THE READER.  
Reader,  
I Do here present thee with a true, though unparallelled History of all the several Revolutions of Government in England, for the space of twelve years, since the Martyrdom of our Gracious Sovereign Charles the First of ever blessed memory, execrably murdered to make way for the Usurpation of ambitious Cromwell; who after some time took the Office of Supreme Magistrate upon himself, and kept it during his Life by Tyranny and Oppression; when summoned by Death, he bequeathed it to his Eldest Son Richard, who either by cowardice or folly, permitted himself to be supplanted by his near Relations. When in stead of one Usurper, England groaned under an Athenian tyranny, and from that to worse, till at last such a horrid, dismal blackness had overcast the whole Kingdom (the Sword being drawn at one blow to cut off Magistracy and Ministry) that it had been utterly destroyed, had not Almighty God raised up that great, and ever to be Renowned to all posterity General Monck, the chief Instrument appointed by the Great God for the redemption of poor England from bloody and violent men, by restoring a Free-Parliament (the undoubted birthright of every English man) and hath likewise, as in duty bound (by God's blessing) settled us under the Lawful and happy Government of our dread Sovereign Lord King Charles the second, whom God hath so miraculously preserved from the jaws of his bloodthirsty enemies, and reserved him to this present time, that England might once again enjoy her primitive beauty and lustre; and have her Kings as at the first, and her Counselors as at the beginning.  
Since than we are through all these miseries, revolutions and changes, by Divine Providence restored to a settlement: Let it be the care of every English man, as it is my hearty wish, that we fall no more into those snares, which formerly entrapped us, but unanimously resolve ourselves into a constant Duty and Allegiance to our Sovereign Lord the King: For thus and thus only can we flourish.  
J. D.   

Courteous Reader, These Books following, are printed for Simon Miller, and Sold by him at the Star in St. Paul's Churchyard.  

Small Folio.  
DOctor Lightfoot his Harmony on the New Testament, which will shortly be reprinted with large Additions.  
The civil Wars of Spain in the Reign of Charles the fifth, Emperor of Germany, and King of that Nation, wherein our late unhappy differences are paralleled in many particulars.  
A general History of Scotland, from the year 767 to the death of K James, etc. By David Hume of Godscroft.  
The History of this Iron Age.  
Mr Paul Baine on the Ephesians  
Eighteen Books of the Secrets of Art and Nature, by John Wecker D. in Phys.  
The Queen of Arragon, a Play: In fol.   

In Quarto large.  
Jo. Barklay his Argenis, Translated by Sir Robert le Grise Knight, by his Late Majesty's special Command.   

Quarto Small.  
An Eperimental Treatise of Surgery, by Felix Wortz.  
Abraham's Faith, or the good Old Religion, etc. By John Nicholson Minister of the Gospel.  
The Anatomy of Mortality: By George Stroad.  
Three Treatises: 1 The Conversion of Nineveh, touching Prayer and Fasting. 2. God's Trumpet sounding to Repentance. 3. Sovereign preservatives against distrustful thoughts and cares: By Will. Attersoll Minister of God's Word at jefield in Sussex.  
Aynsworth on the Cantic.  
Paul Baine, his Diocesans Trial.  
Gralle against Appolinius.  
A Treatise of Civil policy, etc. By Samuel Rutherford Professor of Divinity of St Andrews in Scotland.  
Politic and Military Observations of Civil and Military Government, containing the Birth, Increase, Decay of Monarchies, the carriage of Princes and Magistrates.  
Mr Pinchin his Meritorious price of man's Redemption, cleared.  
Astrology Theologised, showing what nature and influence the Stars and Planets have over men, and how the same may be diverted and avoided.  
Wells his Soul's Progress.  
Christ tempted, the Devils Conquered; Being a plain Exposition on the fourth Chapter of St Matthews Gospel: By John Gumbleden Min. of the Gossip.  
The Saint's Society.  
D. stoughton's thirteen choice Sermons, with his Body of Divinity.  
The Reasons of the dissenting Brethren concerning the Presbyterian Government, together with the answer of the Assembly of Divines.  
Camden's Remains.  
The Harmonious Consent and Confession of Faith, etc.  
The Argument and Confession of Faith, of all the congregational Churches of England agreed upon at the Savoy, 1659.  
The Description of the Universal Quadrant, etc. By Tho Stirrup Mathem.  
The whole Art of drawing painting, limning and etching: collected out of the choicest Italian and German Authors, by Alex Brown Practitioner.   

Large Octavo.  
A Treatise of the Divine Promises: By Edw. Leigh Esq;.  
Florus Angliens, with the Lively Effigies of all the Kings and Queens, since the conquest, cut in brass.  
The Reconciler of the Bible, wherein above two thousand seeming contradictions are fully and plainly Reconciled.  
Evidences for Heaven, containing Infallible signs, and real demonstrations for Assurance of Salvation, published by Edm. Calamy.  
The Life and Reign of King Charles, from his Birth to his Death, by Lambert Wood  
The Night-search, the second part: by H. Mill.  
A view of the Jewish Religion, with their Rites, Customs and Ceremonies.  
Useful Instructions for these Evil times; held forth in 22. Sermons, by Nich. Lockyer, Provost of Eton College  
The Nullity of Church-Censures, or Excommunication, not of Divine Institution, but a mere humane Invention: Written by the famous Tho. Erastus, and never before Englished.   

Small Octavo.  
Ed. Waterhouse Esq; His Discourse of Piety and Charity.  
Panacea, or the Universal Medicine; being a Discourse of the Admirable Nature and Virtues of Tobacco: By Dr. Everard and Others.  
A view and Defence of the Reformation of the Church of England, very useful in these times.  
Mr. Pet. du Moulin, his Antidote against Popery; published on purpose to prevent the Delusions of the Priests and Jesuits who are now very busy among us.  
Herbert's Devotions, or a Companion for a Christian, containing Meditations and prayers useful upon all occasions.  
Extranem Vapulam, or the Observator releved from the violent but vain assault of Haman Lestrange Esq;, and the backblows of D. Bernard an Irish Dean: by P. Hoylin D.D.  
Ovid de Pento, in English.  
The Loves of Clirio and Lozia a Romance.  
Mr. Knowles, his Rudiment of the Hebrew Tongue.  
A Book of Schemes or Figures of Heaven, ready set for every four Minutes of times, and very useful for all Astrologers.  
Florus Anglicus, or an exact History of England, from the Reign of William the Conqueror to the death of the Late King.  
Linguae, or the Combat of the Tongue, and five Senses for Superiority: a serious Comedy.  
The Spirits Touchstone; being a clear discovery how a man may certainly know whether he be truly taught by the Spirit of God, or not.  
The poor man's Physician and Chirurgeon.  
Physical Rarities, containing the most choice Receipts in Physic and Chirurgery, for the cure of all Diseases Incident to man's body: By R W lliams. To which is added the physical Mathematics: By Hermes Tris-Megistus.  
The Idol of Clowns, or the Relation of Wat Tiler's Rebellion.  
The Christian Moderator, in 3 parts.  
The Golden Fleece, or a Discourse of the clothing of England.  
Dr. Sibbs his Divine Meditations.  
Vigerius Precepts of Idiotismes.  
Grotij Poemata.  
Three Books of M. Matthews Minister at Swansey in South-wales. 

1 The Messiah Magnified by the mouths of Babes in America; or Gains and Gamaliel, a helpful Father, and his hopeful Son. discoursing of the three most considerable points. 1. The great want of Christ. 2 The great worth that is in Christ. 3. The good way that is chalked out by Christ  
2. The New congregational Church, proved to be the old Christian Church, by Scripture, Reason, and History.  
3 The Reading Church-member Regularly called back to Christ and his Church.    
A physical Dictionary.  
An exact History of the several changes of Government in England, from the horrid Murder of King Charles the first, to the happy Restauration of King Charles the second, with the Renowned Actions of General Monck, by J. D.   

Duodecim.  
Dr. Smith's practice of physic.  
The Grammar War.  
Posselius' Apothegms.  
Fasciculus Florum.  
Crashaw's Visions.  
The Juniper Lecture.  
Helvicus Colloquies.  
The Christian Soldier, his Combat with the three arch-enemies of mankind, the world, the flesh, and the devil.  
Seasonable advice to the Apprentices of the Honourable City of London, touching their duty to God, and their Masters.  
Heinsius de Crepundiis.  
The History of Russia, or the Government of the Emperor of Muscovia, with the manner and fashions of the people of that Country.  
Drexeliu's school of Patience.  
Drexelius his right Intention of every one's action  
A School or Nurture for Children, or the Duty of Children to Parents, very useful for all that intent to bring up their children in the fear of God.   

Viginti Quarto.  
The New Testament.  
The third part of the Bible.  
Sir Richard Bakers Meditations and Prayers for every day of the Week.   

Plays.  
The Ball.  
Chawbut.  
Conspiracy.  
Obstinate Lady.  
The London Chanticlers: a Comedy foll of various and delightful Mirth, neyer before published.    

FLORUS ANGLICUS, The Second Part. CONTAINING England's oligarchical Government from the Death of CHARLES the I. to the Protectorship of OLIVER.  

PART I.  
NO sooner had the fatal Axe severed England and her Liberties, by severing King Charles his head from his body, but the Parliament, the better to maintain what they had now so fare prosecuted, make Proclamation, That none under penalty of being deemed guilty of high Treason, should presume to proclaim, declare, publish, or any way promote the Prince of Wales Son to the late King, or any other Person to be King or Chief Magistrate of England, or of any the Dominions belonging to them; by colour of Inheritance, Succession or Election, or any other claim whatsoever, without the free consent of the people in Parliament, etc. This Proclamation though it came not forth in full till the second of February, yet was in part proclaimed on the very day of the Kings beheading.  
They likewise the more to ensure their Government, and to carry it on with the more plausibility, publish an Act of State for the alteration of Writs in England, Ireland and Wales, as that in stead of King, the Name, Style and Test, & Custodis Libertatis Angliae Authoritate Parliamenti be used, and none other, and all Writs, etc. should run so, of which all concerned in the Law were required to take notice. Yet they provide, that all Patents granted by the late King should still stand in full force and virtue.  
The Houses likewise take upon them a more than Papal power, and because he Priest could indeed absolve them, they are resolved to absolve themselves and all those engaged with them, by an Act repealing the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy.  
Sr Lewis Dives, Sr Robert Stuart of Irel and the Lord Loughborough, Colonel Poyer, Colonel Laughorne and Duke Hamilton, having escaped out of several Prisons, of which the last out of Windsor Castle, a strict search was made for them, but in vain, except Duke Hamilton, who was the next morning retaken in an Inn in Southwark.  
The Lord's House perceiving that by reason of his Majesty's death, the Judges gave not that assistance to them which was usual, by reason his death had extinguished their power as Judges, desired that eighteen of the Commons might be sent to confer with nine of the Lords, but it would not be assented to.  
The House of Commons having executed their King, the Nobles are an eyesore to them, they therefore resolve to take away as many of them as they can bring within their reach; they resolve to begin with those they have already in hold; and the Commission of the High-Court of Justice for his Majesty's Trial being expired, they create a new one consisting of sixty three persons, of which any fifteen had power to act; for the trial of Duke Hamilton as Earl of Cambridg, Earl of Holland, Earl of Norwich, Lord Capell (who attempted an escape but was retaken at Lambeth;) and Sir John Owen; and in order thereto they likewise vote the adjournment of Hillary Term, which (because the Judges had not power) they do by their Proclamation of the second of February.  
And now they take into consideration the reception of their numerous fellow members which by the arbitrary force of the Army had been excluded, and at last they vote, That none should be admitted into the House who had voted that his late Majesty's Concessions were a ground for Peace, and for the firm settlement of these Nations.  
The Parliament having cut off one of those three Estates by which the Nation had so long been governed, think likewise of abolishing the second, that they alone might have the whole power; therefore upon considerations of the House of Lords, in what capacity they should stand; they vote, 1. That they would make no farther addresses to them. 2. That they would receive none from them. 3. That an Act be drawn to abolish that House as dangerous and useless. Thus is the whole basis of that Government, which had continued in England so many hundred years, overthrown in ten days, and the two ancient grand Estates of the Land cut off.  
Having abolished one Government, they proceed to consider of the establishment of another, but agree only in a negative Vote, That there should for the future be no Government in England either by King or House of Lords. They break the old Great Seal, and cause a new one to be made, which is delivered to the keeping of three Commissioners, viz. Mr Keeble, Mr Whitlock and Mr Lisle. They likewise consider of Oaths to be administered to the Judges, who thereupon meet, and upon debate six of them are content to continue in their employments, provided the fundamental Laws of the Land be not altered, which were, viz. Chief Justice Rolls, and Justice Jerman of the King's Bench, Lord Chief Justice St John, Justice Pheasant of the Common Pleas, Lord Chief Baron Wild, and Baron Yates: and in order to these Judge's satisfaction in their forementioned scruple, the Parliament by their Declaration of the ninth of February do declare, That they are fully resolved to maintain, and shall and will uphold, preserve and keep the fundamental Laws of this Nation, for and concerning the preservation of the lives, properties and liberties of the people, with all things incident there unto; with the alterations touching King and House of Lords already resolved in this present Parliament for the good of the people, and whatsoever shall be further necessary to the perfecting thereof, and by it requiring all Judges, Justices, etc. to execute and administer in their respective Offices and Trusts, etc.  
The House order a Committee to consider of such Persons as they should think fit to be Justices of the Peace throughout the Nation: they likewise order another Committee, to consider of Persons whom they might judge fit to constitute a Council of State, whose number should be forty, whereof only five Lords, or not above. And whereas before they had only repealed, they now wholly make void the Oath of Allegiance and Supremacy.  
Thus though the Parliament are endeavouring all means to make themselves as secure and firm in the Government as they can, yet are the people generally discontented; those who formerly affected them (now sensible of the inconveniencies like to ensue the cutting off of their Prince) as much disaffect them, so that there is generally plotting in all Countries, which makes the Parliament send forces into several Counties to keep them in awe, whilst the Royalists in Pomfret Castle still hold out, hoping some relief may arise from those so universal discontents.  
But let us from England pass a little into Scotland, and we shall find that the King's death is much more resented there: at the first news of his Condemnation, they proclaim a solemn Fast, with Prayers to God for his deliverance; but upon the news of his Execution, such was their sorrow, that the whole City of Edinburgh seemed a flood of tears. The Parliament upon this exigence are convened, and putting it to the vote, it passed (nemine contradicente) that his Eldest Son should be proclaimed King, and accordingly a Proclamation was drawn, which because of some niceties in it, not usual in things of this nature, I think fit to insert as followeth; viz.  
The Estates of Parliament presently convened in this second Session of the second triennial Parliament, by virtue of an Act of the Committee of Estates, who had power and authority from the last Parliament for convening the Parliament, considering that forasmuch as the King's Majesty who lately reigned, is contrary to the dissent and protestation of this Kingdom, removed by a violent death; and that by the Lord's blessing there is left unto us a righteous Heir and lawful Successor Charles Prince of Scotland and Wales, now King of Great Britain, France and Ireland; We the Estates of the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, do therefore most unanimously and cheerfully, in recognition and acknowledgement of his just right, Title and succession to the Crown of these Kingdoms, hereby proclaim and declare to all the world, that the said Lord and Prince Charles, is by the providence of God, and by the lawful and right of undoubted succession and descent, King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, whom all the subjects of this Kingdom are bound humbly and faithfully to obey, maintain and defend according to the Nationall Covenant, and the solemn League and Covenant betwixt the Kingdom, with their lives and goods, against all deadly enemies as their only righteous Sovereign Lord and King. And because his Majesty is bound by the Law of God and fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, to rule in righteousness and equity, to the honour of God the good of Religion, and the wealth of his people; it is hereby declared, That before he be admitted to the exercise of his Royal power, he shall give satisfaction to this Kingdom in those things that concern the security of Religion, the unity betwixt the Kingdoms, and the good and peace of this Kingdom, according to the Nationall Covenont and the solemn League and Covenant; for which end we are resolved with all possible expedition to make our humble and earnest addresses to his Majesty: For the testification of all which, we the Parliament of the Kingdom of Scotland, publish this our acknowledgement of his just right, Title and succession to the Crown of these Kingdoms, at the Market-Cross in Edinburgh, with all usual solemnities in like cases, and ordain his Royal Name, Portrait and Seal to be used in the public writings and Judicatories of this Kingdom, and in the Mint-house, as was usually done to his Royal Predecessors; and command this Act to be proclaimed at all the Market-Crosses of the Royal burgh's within this Kingdom, and to be printed, that none may pretend ignorance.  
God save King Charles the second.  
This was done by the Parliament, the Lords in all their Robes; the Cross was richly hanged, the Chancellor brought up the Proclamation, read it to the King at Arms who proclaimed it; there being an universal joy in the City; and their great Guns from the Castle sending peals of the same into the adjacent Countries. The solemnity being past, care was taken for the sending Messengers to acquaint his Majesty with the business; Sr Edward Douglas was chosen to go and acquaint him with it, to desire him to take heed of evil Councillors, etc. that there should very speedily a more full address be made to him. In the mean time a Fast is proclaimed, and supplications made, that God would prosper their addresses to him for the good both of the Kirk and State. The Lords and the whole Parliament in the mean time put on mourning for the death of his Father.  
But to return to England again: The beheaded old King Charles was February 12. thirteen days after his death buried at Windsor (in the same Vault where Henry the eighth was interred (without any manner of solemnity, the Bishop of London Dr Juxon and some few others attending him to his Funeral.  
The Parliament not thinking that they are not yet secure enough, whilst they have only power over men's bodies, endeavour the like over their souls. They therefore Enact, that every Citizen of London, at the time of their admission to their Freedom, should take the ensuing Oath, viz. You shall swear, That you shall be true and faithful to the Commonwealth of England, and in order there unto, you shall be obedient to the just Government of the City of London: You shall to your best power maintain the peace, and all the due Franchises thereof, and to your knowledge and ability do and perform all Acts and things belonging to a Freeman of the said City. They likewise Enact, that the said Oath, Mutatis mutandis, be taken by every Freeman in every City, Borrough, and Town Corporate, in England and Wales, at the time of their admission to Freedom, as aforesaid.  
The Extraordinary Ambassadors for the States of Holland, (having had audience and promise of Redress for the injuries done to their Ships, provided the wrong-doers could be found out) being on departure, many thanks and civilities having passed between them and the House; they Order two Members to give them a solemn farewell, who accompanied them to Gravesend.  
The Army again Petition the Parliament, in prosecution of some desires formerly presented to them, viz. 1. To make and establish such wholesome Laws (in the native Language) as may preserve the Interest and Liberties of this Commonwealth. 2. That Tithes may be abolished. 3. That no punishment be inflicted upon any man for the Exercise of his Conscience. 4. That all that had to deal in the public Treasury be called to account; and that free Quarter be taken off. 5. That all Persons whatsoever may have a free and equal Administration of the Law. 6. That Persons imprisoned for Debt, having nothing to pay, may be released; and that such as are able and shelter themselves in prison, be forced to pay. 7. That all Persons in prison for pretended words, etc. be brought to trial, and if found innocent, have satisfaction for false imprisonment. 8. That Provision might be made for the Poor of the Nation. 9 That constant Pay may be provided to prevent free Quarter. 10. That the Arrears of the Army might be paid out of the Kings, Deans, and Chapters Lands. 11. That their want of Horses might be supplied. 12. That care might be taken for prevention of clipped Money. 13. That the Articles of War might be mitigated. 14. That the Soldiers might not be put to the execution of civil Orders, as seizing on unlicensed Books, distraining of Moneys, or the like, so that the people may not complain of their entrenchment on their Liberties.  
These were February 19 1649. drawn up by the Army, as their humble Petition and Address to the Parliament; but we need not think it strange that every common Soldier should have liberty to propose what was necessary to be done in the Government, since they had perfectly the whole power in their hands, and had first by the fetches of some of their Commanders, excluded and extirpated all other power, to give life and being to this shadow of a Government, this little finger of a Parliament, and yet ten times heavier to the Nation, than the whole loins of its legal Magistracy. But to return to our purpose, the Parliament (for so in their own language we must call them) order the Trial of Duke Hamilton, (who though he was no Englishman, yet was arraigned under the Name of Earl of Cambridge, thereby to subject him to the English Law) together with the Earl of Holland, Lord Capell, Lord Goring, and Sr John Owen, the two first of which were afterwards beheaded in Palace-yard, and the two last meeting with more favour from them, were suffered to departed beyond Seas.  
A Council of State being settled by the Parliament, they met at Derby House, where some Propositions of the Parliaments in order to their unanimous Proceed, were tendered to them, viz. the approbation of the Proceed with the late King, the House of Lords, the present Alteration and some other. These were by them received, with some dislike to some of the particulars, and their dislike being mentioned in the House, was referred to a Committee.  
The Prince Elector Palatine makes his Addresses to the Parliament, with returns of thanks for their former favours, and desires that 5600 due of his last years Pension might be paid; that the Pension of 9000 per annum might be continued; and that he might have the Pass of the House for himself, Family, and forty Horse to go home. The first and last desires were granted, and the Sum due Ordered to be paid him; but the Continuation of his Pension put off to further consideration.  
The Parliament and Council of State agree upon an Attestation, to be taken by every individual Member of the Council of State, which ran as followeth, viz. I A. B. being of the Council of State, do Testify that I do adhere unto this present Parliament, in the maintenance and defence of the public Liberty and Freedom of this Nation, as it is now Declared, and to the Government for future in way of a Republic without King, or House of Peers: And I do promise in the sight of God, that through his grace I will be faithful in the performance of the trust committed to me as aforesaid, and therein faithfully pursue the Instructions given to this Council by this present Parliament, and not reveal or disclose any thing in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, that shall be debated or resolved on in Counsel, without command or direction in Parliament, or the Order and allowance of the major part of them, that shall be present at such debates or resolutions. In confirmation of the Premises I have hereunto set my hand. To which Attestation, the Clerk of the Parliament is Ordered to see that every individual Member of the Council of State do Subscribe. And now comes out the Protestation of the Parliament of Scotland, against the Proceed touching his Majesty's Life and Person, which because it was of so eminent concernment, I shall here insert the most material Circumstances, viz. That by their Letter of the sixth instant (viz. January) they represented unto you what endeavours have been used, for taking away of his Majesty's life, for Change of the fundamental Government of this Kingdom, and introducing a sinful and ungodly Toleration in matters of Religion; and therein they did express their sad thoughts and great fears, of the dangerous consequences that might follow thereupon; and further they did earnestly press, that there might be no proceeding against his Majesty's Person, which would certainly continue the great distractions of the Kingdoms, and involve them in many evils, troubles, and confusions; but that by the free Counsels of both Houses of the Parliament of England, and with the advice and consent of the Parliament of Scotland, such course might be taken in relation to him, as may be for the good and happiness of these Kingdoms, both having an unquestionable interest in his Person, as King of both, which duly considered, we had reason to hope should have given a stop to all Proceed against his Majesty's Person. But they understood that after many of the Members of the House of Commons have been imprisoned and secluded. and also without and against the Consent of the House of Peers, by a single Act of this Parliament alone, power being given to certain Persons of their own Number of the Army, and some others, to proceed against his Majesty's Person; in order whereunto he was brought upon Saturday last in the afternoon, before this new Extraordinary Court. Wherefore they do in the Name of the Parliament of Scotland, for their vindication from false aspersions and calumnies declare; That though they are not satisfied with his Majesty's Concessions at Newport in the Isle of Wight, especially in the matters of Religion, and are resolved not to crave his Majesty's restitution to this Government, before satisfaction be given by him to this Kingdom; yet they do all unanimously with one voice (not one Member excepted) disclaim the least knowledge of, or accession to the late Proceed of the Army against his Majesty; and sincerely profess, that it will be a great grief unto their hearts, and lie heavy upon their spirits, if they shall see the trusting of his Majesty's Person to the Honourable Houses of the Parliament of England, to be made use of to his ruin, so far contrary to the declared intentions of the Kingdom of Scotland, and solemn professions of the Kingdom of England; and to the end it may be manifest to the world, how much they abominate and detest so horrid a design against his Majesty's Person, they do in the Name of the Parliament and Kingdom of Scotland, Declare their dissent from the said Proceed, and the taking away of his Majesty's Life; and protest that as they are altogether free from the same, so they may be free from all the evils, miseries, confusions, and calamities, that may follow thereupon to these distracted Kingdoms.  
In thus much is contracted the large Letter of the Scottish Parliament, to which the Parliament in short answer; That as to the alteration of the fundamental Laws of the Land, and allowing liberty of Conscience in Religion, if Scotland had not the same power of liberty; as they did not go about to confine them, so they would not be limited to them; but (leaving them to act in relation to theirs, as they shall see cause) resolve to maintain their own Liberties, as God should enable them. In relation to the putting the King to death, they had done it upon serious consideration of the miseries both they and the Nation had suffered, by the Misgovernment and Tyranny of that man of sin (as they termed him) that they doubted not but God would prosper them in it. That if Scotland would not now with them assert its Liberties, but espouse that quarrel, they would reap no other advantage by it, but a lasting War (and the miseries that attend it) or the intailing of a perpetual slavery under a Tyrant and his Issue, to them and their posterity. These jarrings at length produced a bloody War betwixt the two Nations, to the devastation and almost utter ruin of Scotland, as the sequel of the Story will show. The Parliament Order the Army to march Northward. The Parliament now more fully ordered that no Member whatsoever, who had absented himself from sitting in the House since the 31. of December, 1648. should be readmitted into the House, but should be utterly secluded and barred from sitting; except such as had been employed in the service of the Parliament. They then consider of ways for raising of Money to serve their Occasions; and in order thereto, appoint a Committee to consider of the Revenues of the late King, Queen, Prince, Bishops, etc. and how they may be improved to their greatest advantage.  
Colonel Popham, Colonel Dean, and Colonel Blake, who are to go with the Fleet, are ordered to go down immediately, and nine pound a day appointed for their maintenance: The Lord Warwick's Commission of Admiral of the Seas, and Warden of the Cinque Ports being nulled, and that power put into the Hands of the Council of State, who have devolved it upon those three aforementioned.  
In the mean time those who stand out in the two Cities of Dublin and London-Derry for this Parliament, earnestly entreat relief, before that Ormond, Inchiqueen, and Owen-Roe, who were very near Compositions, should join, which would go near to ruin all. They therefore desire, that eight thousand men formerly promised them, might come over, which would either hinder the malevolous Conjunction threatened, or be a good Barricado against them; however they promise to hold out as long as possibly they can.  
The Earl of Lothian, Sr John Chesley, and Mr Glendonning, who came as Commissioners from the Parliament of Scotland, to this of England, not having received any satisfaction in relation to their Instructions, or the Desires of the Parliament of Scotland, being somewhat angry, but loath to express their Choler by word of mouth, after their departure from London, send back a Letter by a servant to the Parliament, (in the Name of the Parliament of Scotland) enumerating all their Declarations, the breach of all their Covenants, Oaths, and Protestations, for contiruance of the late Government, and how much they had gone contrary to all of them, in what they had now done to King, Lords, etc. desiring them to do their first work, which if they did not as they, that then they would wash their hands of all the misery, that was like to ensue. This so nettled our Parliament, that they immediately imprison the Messenger; and besides the giving secret Order for the securing the Subscribers, they put forth a Declaration against the Paper, arguing it to contain much scandalous and reproachful matter, against the just Laws and Government of this Nation, to the high dishonour thereof: That it was a design in the contrivers and subscribers of it to raise Sedition, and lay the grounds of a new and bloody War. They therefore Declare, that all Persons whatsoever residing in England, or Ireland, or Scotland, that shall adhere to the said Subscribers, in pursuance of the Grounds by them laid in the said Paper, are Rebels and Traitors to the Commonwealth of England, and shall be proceeded against as Rebels and Traitors. They likewise Order that a Letter be sent with a Copy of that Paper to the Parliament of Scotland, to know if they will own or justify it.  
The Parliament are so necessitated for Moneys, that they are resolved to let no way slip for the raising of it, the ancient Standard in the Palace-yard shall not scape, but a Committee is ordered to examine what it might be worth, in case it were sold for public use.  
The Parliament in consideration of Sr George Ascues eminent services at Sea, order him to be Admiral of the Irish Seas, and Model the Expenses of the Navy as low as they can possibly, whereby a great part of that vast Charge is saved; yet neither Custom, Excise, nor Taxes made lower, but rather increased, the Soldiers Petitioning for a larger Tax, that free Quarter (the greater oppression indeed of the two) might be avoided.  
Several Troopers who pretended a Liberty to Petition without the consent of their Officers, are punished; five of them are condemned first to ride with their Faces to the Horse Tail, then to have their Swords broke over their Heads, and lastly to be cashiered; a Letter which they had concerning the aforesaid Liberty, being judged pernicious and scandalous to the Parliament and Counsel of State.  
About this time began those great disturbances both in Army and Parliament, occasioned by the distaste given to Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne, by the Parliaments denying some desires of his: But because the Discourse of it would now be too tedious, we shall let it alone till we come to treat of its Effects.  
But let us return now a little to Scotland, where the Parliament upon rumours that the English Army were marching towards them, prepare to resist, and Vote the raising for their present defence 2000 Horse and 6000 Foot, whilst the Lord Seaforth and Colonel Heisell are busied in fortifying Enderness, and other strong places in the North, all being resolved to defend and maintain the Cause of Charles the Second with their lives and fortunes, many Englishmen flocking to them.  
In the mean time Prince Rupert makes great Havoc of the Merchant's Ships and Goods in the English and Irish Seas, which makes the Parliament hasten out their Fleet under the Command of Popham, Dean, and Blake, as aforesaid.  
And now on the ninth of March, 1648. those three Lords, Duke Hamilton (as Earl of Cambridge) the Earl of Holland, and Lord Capell, were beheaded in the new Palace-yard Westminster, for having raised Arms against the Parliament; nor could Duke Hamiltons' pretending himself a stranger, and not subject to the Laws of England; nor the Lord chapels claiming the Lord General's promise of Quarter, find them voices enough to save their lives, (though the Lord Goring, and Sr John Owen escaped by Superiority of voices.) They all three died resolutely and handsomely, befitting men of so noble descents.  
The Parliament in some things to answer the Army's Petition, Order a release of all Prisoners, who were not in a capacity to pay their Debts; the Commission nevertheless extending to the seizure of all their Estate and Movables, to pay as far as they will go. They likewise Enact a rebate in Usury, that none should take above six in the hundred, which is an ease to the poor, but a plague to the rich.  
The 14th of March arrives at London Master Belford from the Parliament of Scotland, who brings Letters expressing their high resentment for the securing of their Commissioners; they assure them that they owned the Paper sent by their Commissioners, by sending another Transcript of it; so their Commissioners are discharged, and it referred to the Counsel of State to send them an Answer.  
The Parliament proceed in consideration of what was to be done, in the farther punishing of offenders, and Vote that fifteen be banished, whereof the Marquis of Winchester, the Lords, Bristol, Cottington, and Digby, are four. Judge Jenkins, and Sr John Stowell are Ordered to be tried at the King's Bench Bar. That Colonel Laughorne, powel, and Poyer, or any others, who have held out any Castle or Fort since the first of March 1648. to be tried by a Counsel of War. They proceed to the Confiscation of the Estates of the Prince of Wales, Duke of York, Duke of Buckingham, Earl of Bristol, Earl of Newcastle, Earl of Worcester, Lord Digby, Sr William Widdrington, Sr Philip Musgrave, Sr Marmaduke Langdale, Sr Richard Grimvile, Sir Francis Dodington, Sr john Culpepper, and Sr john Byron; any of which being taken in England, are to die without mercy. The Banishment of the Marquis of Winchester is remitted at last, and he with Bishop Wren Voted imprisonment in the Tower, during the Parliaments pleasure.  
Brown Bushel is also Voted to be tried for his life.  
The Parliament hoping to justify their actions to the world abroad by Logic, as well as they had done it by force at home, cause a large and specious Declaration to be drawn up, showing the causes of their Actions and Proceed against their late King, and of the Alteration of the Government, which they order to be Printed in Latin, French, Dutch, and Italian, the better to satisfy (as they dreamt) the rest of the Christian world.  
The Lieutenant General Cromwell now comes in play again (action being so natural to him) he being appointed Generalissimo of those 12000 Horse and Foot, which are Voted to be sent for the relief of Ireland, and the reducing of Ormond, Inchequeen, and Owen Roe, who had now made a full conjunction, and lay near Dublin with 22000 Men.  
And now the Parliament by their Act and Declaration of the 19th of February, dissolve all Kingly Government, disheriting the late King's Children, or any other from any claim, right, or title to the Government of England, Wales, or Ireland, or any of the Honours, Manors, Lands, Tenements, Possessions, or Hereditaments, belonging or appertaining to the Crown of England, or Ireland. And they by the same Act discharge and absolve all the people of England, Wales, and Ireland, of what degree or condition soever, from all Fealty, Homage, and Allegiance, which is or shall be pretended due to any of the Issue and Posterity of the late King, or any claiming under him. This Act the Parliament Order to be proclaimed in the City of London by the Mayor, aldermans, and Sheriffs in Person, and likewise in the chief places of the Nation, to which purpose Writs are sent down to the Sheriffs of the respective Counties.  
But the Lord Mayor and several of the Aldermen, whose consciences would not permit them to proclaim it, refusing to do it, put a demur upon it throughout the whole Nation; the effects of which the Parliament fearing, called him to the Bar of the House, and finding him resolved, Order the degradation of him, Alderman Bunce, and three Aldermen more. Alderman Andrews being found fit for the Parliaments purpose, is appointed to sit on the Bench in the late Lord Mayor's stead, who readily executed the Parliaments Commands.  
The Parliament Constitute a Committee for the sale of Parks, Chases, and Forrest-Lands, of whom any three have power and authority to Act.  
The 24th of March, the Castle of Pomfret which had held out near nine Months, was forced to surrender for want of Ammunition. The private Soldiers who were most of them inhabitants of Yorkshire, had liberty by Articles to go home to their habitations, but the Governor and some others were exempted from Quarter; nevertheless Lieutenant Colonel Morris the Governor escaped.  
The Scotch Commissioners are at last dispatched to the King, with full Instructions to treat with him; of which the chief were: First, That his Majesty take the Covenant, Secondly, That he put from him all who have assisted his Father or him formerly; and particularly the Lord Montross. Thirdly, That he bring but 100 with him into Scotland. And fourthly, That he bring no foreign force into Scotland without their consent. But whether these Conditions were by him agreed to or no, I think is hardly known.  
In the mean while the Parliaments friends in Ireland are but in a bad condition, they therefore desire present aid. Clanrickard, Taffe, and Preston, with their Catholics, having made a full agreement with Ormond, and Inchequeen, the Articles were, viz. after the Catholics acknowledgement by way of preamble, That Charles the second is King of Ireland, and that they will stand to him with their lives and fortunes. It is agreed: 1. That the Catholics have free exercise of Religion in Ireland, and all penalties taken off. 2. That a Parliament shall be held within six Months or after, when the Catholics desire. 3. All Laws made in the Parliament of England since 41, in blemish of Catholics, in the next Parliament to be null. 4. All Indictments against any Catholics since 41, to be vacuated. 5. Way and provision made that Catholics may be Elected and Vote in Parliament. 6. All Debts to remain as they were, February 8. 1641. notwithstanding any disposition under colour of Attainder. 7. The Estates of the Knights, Gentlemen, and Freeholders of Connaght, Clare, Thomond, Limerick, and Tipperary, to be secured by Act. 8. All incapacities of the Natives in Ireland to be taken away by Act. 9 All Honours, Trusts, etc. to be conferred as well on Catholics as Protestants. 10. That the King take 12000 per annum in lieu of the Court of Wards. 11. Noble men to be capable of more Proxies than two in Parliament. 12. That the depending of the Parliament of Ireland on that of England, shall be as shall stand with the Laws of Ireland. 13. That the Counsel-table meddle only with State-matters. 14. That all Acts forbidding the transport of Wool, be made null by the next Parliament. 15. That if any have been wronged by Grants from King James or since, they may have relief in Parliament. 16. That divers particular Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen, who have as they conceive been wronged, may be righted. 17. That all who have had their Estates taken from them in Cork, Youghall, and Dungarvan, have restauration. 18. That in the next Parliament an Act of oblivion pass to all Ireland. 19 That no Lord Deputy or other Officer of Eminency farm the Customs. 20. An Act against Monopolists and no imposition on Aquavitae. 21. That the Court of Castle-chamber be regulated. 22. The Acts prohibiting ploughing with Horses by the tail, and burning Oats in the Straw be nuled. 23. That his Majesty take off the grievances of the Kingdom. 24. That Maritime causes be determined in Ireland. 25. That no Rents be raised under pretence of defective titles. 26. That Interest be forgiven from 1641. 27. That all this be Acted and of force till a Parliament agree it. 28. That the Commissioners for the Catholics that treated, agree upon such as shall be Commissioners of the peace, and hear all causes under 10lb. 29. That all Governors of Towns, Castles, etc. made by the King, be with the approbation of Catholic Commissioners. 30. That none of his Majesty's Rents be paid till a full settlement in Parliament. 31. That the Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer do try all Murders, Thefts, etc. 32. That hereafter such Differences as arise between Subjects, be tried by a Court in Ireland. 33. That the Roman Clergy that behave themselves according to this Agreement, be not molested. These Articles thus agreed on, Ormond publishes a Declaration, exasperating the horrid Murder of the late King, and Declaring Charles the second King of Ireland, as the true lawful and undoubted Heir to his Father; and to him and in his Defence they all resolve to stick with lives and fortunes.  
The Counsel of State begin now to take the business of Ireland into more serious consideration; and to dispatch relief the sooner, Order that a convenient number of Shipping be made ready at Bristol, Leverpool, Beaumorris, and Milford Haven, to transport the Army, and to be at the direction of the Commander in chief for Ireland. They likewise give Order that an Hospital be provided for maimed Soldiers in Dublin. That all those who are already in the Parliaments pay in Ireland, do join with those now sent over, under the Command of his Excellency the Lord General Cromwell. That Bread, Salt, Cheese, and other provisions be provided, with a train of Artillery. And that care be taken that continual supplies of men be constantly sent.  
The seventh of April, the Parliament for the better supply of their Army, and taking off the intolerable oppression of Freequarter, pass an Act for 90000lb. a Month for six Months. But in relation to their present exigencies, for setting forward of the relief for Ireland, the General Earl of Pembroke and some others, are sent to the City to borrow 120000lb. upon the security of the two last Months Assessment.  
And now the business of Ireland goes on vigorously, the Parliament making sundry Votes for its furtherance, viz. That care be taken for provisions for the Winter Quarters. That a sufficient number of Ships be employed on the Coast, at the Command of the General by Land. That provision be made for maimed Soldiers, and for the Widows and Orphans of Soldiers slain. That a train of Artillery be provided. That the Troopers be supplied with such Backs, Breasts, and Pots, as shall be fitting. And that care be taken for the convenient sending over of Recruits. And indeed it was no time to dally now, except they meant to have lost all; for Ormond, Taffe, Preston, and Inchequeen, are mustering their Forces to lay siege to Dublin, London-Derry; and Sr Charles Coot in it was already besieged by the Covenanters, or Laggan Forces. And though Owen Roes standing out might make a kind of schism amongst them, yet it was judged that their Army would be numerous enough both to besiege Dublin, and reduce him, (for which last service Inchequeen was intended) his Brother Sr Phellime not being so sure a friend to him as was imagined; so that Ireland could not at that time seem to be in any other condition, then near utterly lost to the Parliament.  
The sale of the Deans and Chapters Lands coming under consideration, were found worth 100 per annum impropriate, which goes towards the Minister's maintenance; and 100 per annum old Rent, which is to be sold. But 1. It was resolved that 400000 be raised on it in way of doubling, as on Bishop's Lands. 2. That no Bill of Faith pass, but such as hath been allowed by trusties. 3. That the 1800000 due for Soldier's Arrears, stand good upon the Excise, till other security be settled. 4. That this 1800000 be paid out of Lands belonging formerly to the Crown. 5. That twelve trusties be for this Act, six nominated by the General, and six by the Parliament. 6. That the Attorney General bring in a Bill to Audit the Arrears of the Soldiers. Thus the Parliament make haste to the sale of the Lands belonging both to Church and State, for the payment of their Soldiers and servants.  
The 25th of April 1649, was Colonel Poyer shot to death; Major General Loughorne, Coll. powel, and himself, three eminent Welshmen, were tried for their lives by a Counsel of War, and all three condemned for holding Intelligence with the Enemy; but mercy being shown, it was put to the Lot, which fell upon Coll. Poyer, who suffered death according to sentence.  
The Princess Elizabeth Daughter to the late King, petitioning the Parliament that she might have leave to go into Holland to her Sister the Princess Royal of Orange, is denied; but is ordered to go (with her Brother the Duke of Gloucester) to Sr Edward harrington's in Rutland, who is ordered to take care of them, and 4000 a year is allowed for their maintenance; but he excuses it being ancient.  
The Parliament take upon them the Royal Prerogative of Coining moneys; order a new Stamp to be made, with the Arms of England on one side, and round The Commonwealth of England; and the Arms of England and Ireland on the other, and round God with us.  
Several Troops and Regiments of the Army, either discontented at Lieu. Coll. John lilburn's imprisonment, or some other feigned pretence of their own, mutiny; Coll. Scroops, and Major Gen. Iretons (who were designed for Ireland) are the chief: but in the end they are all either reduced to obedience or disbanded.  
A Regiment of Coll. Tuthills is sent over to Dublin as a vanguard to the rest.  
Dr Dorislaus whom the Parliament of this Commonwealth had sent over as their Agent, to treat with the States of Holland, was the 5th of May murdered in an Ordinary in the Hague, by six men who entered into the chamber disguised; the English Cavaliers there were suspected for the murder, but we judge it a calumny, since the certainty could never be known, though the States of Holland offered 1000 Guldens to the discoverers of the assassinates.  
The Parliament to manifest their surious resentment of the murder of Dr Isaac Dorislaus their Agent, put forth a Declaration, how tender a sense they have of so horrid a murder, and the dishonour redounds thereby to the Commonwealth; and that since they cannot have the authors of that horrid villainy, they are resolved to execute their revenge upon those Cavaliers (for they are resolved to believe those there the actors of it) which they have here in their power, and have not been admitted to compound, and so are left to their mercy, which they else had found had not their fellows there forfeited it: so sweet is revenge, though but upon a mere suspicion of an injury.  
The Parliament in England put forth an Act declaring what should be high-Treason: the particulars were; 1. That whosoever should maliciously and advisedly, by writing, printing, or openly declare, that this Government by Parliament is tyrannical, usurped or unlawful, or that the Commons assembled in Parliament are not the Supreme Authority of the Nation; or shall plot, endeavour or contrive to stir up or raise any force to the subversion or alteration of the Government, and shall declare the same by open deed, shall be judged guilty of high-Treason. 2. That any person who shall maliciously and advisedly contrive and plot, or cause to be contrived and plotted, any thing which may tend to the subversion of the Keepers of the Liberties of England, or the Council of State, and shall declare the same by open deed, shall be judged guilty of high Treason. 3. That whosoever not being a Member of the Army, shall plot, contrive, or endeavour to stir up any mutiny in the said Army, or draw any Soldiers or Officers from their obedience to their superior Officers, or from the present Government, or shall procure, invite, or aid any foreigners to invade England or Ireland, or counterfeit the great Seal of England, (for time being) used by Authority of Parliament.: That than they for every such offence be judged guilty of high Treason, and suffer the pains and penalties thereof. This Act was by Order of Parliament proclaimed throughout England and Wales.  
But now the straits of Ireland requiring a speedy help, which is daily solicited for, Ormond having beleaguered Dublin near a Month, and it scarce like to hold out long for want both of men, provisions, and Ammunition, Colonel Tuthills Regiment having carried nothing over but themselves, and their Arms on their shoulders, though scarce  to their backs; so that the Parliament to answer those reiterated desires of Lieutenant General Jones, and being indeed sensible of their necessities, expedite their assistance, appointing Commissary General Ireton, Colonel Scroop, Colonel Horton, Major General Lambert, with their four Regiments of Horse; and Colonel Ewers, Colonel Cook, Colonel Hewson, and Colonel Dean, with theirs of Foot, and five Troops of Horse to be made ready for that service; besides which some other Regiments are raised by beat of Drum. In the mean time Colonel Reynolds Regiment of Horse, Colonel Venables, and Colonel Monks of Foot quartering nearest, are ordered to advance to Chester, and thence immediately take Shipping as the Vanguard of the Army; the other eight Regiments were ordered to march to the general Rendezvows at Milford-haven, where there was a convenient number of Shipping provided to waft them over into Ireland, and whither General Cromwell very speedily followed them, departing out of London the tenth of July 1649.  
The Vanguard commanded by the Colonels, Reynolds, Venables, and Monk, met with so prosperous a gale from Chester, soon arrived in Dublin Road, and having landed their men, notwithstanding the Enemy lay so near, entered the City without any considerable opposition, where they were received with Echoes of joy by the Soldiers and Inhabitants, who had so long expected them.  
The Town being now so well strengthened by this new supply, Colonel Jones his old Soldiers, Colonel Tuthills Regiment, with the Inhabitants that bore Arms, and this new Brigade, could now muster between 8 and 9000 stout men. Jones therefore resolves upon a Sally as soon as he should see occasion, which the Enemy themselves soon gave him, by coming down on the East side of the City, with a party of near 2000 Foot and some Horse, intending to have run a trench along to the Sea, and there to have built a Fort which might have commanded the Haven, and hindered supplies from England; they within perceiving their design, were resolved to hinder them; so drawing out near twelve hundred Horse and four thousand Foot, courageously enter those trenches the Enemy had raised, and pursued their charge with so much courage, that Ormonds' Horse presently gave back, and his Foot most cut in pieces, or taken prisoners, which easy victory gave such heat to the English Forces, that pursuing it with as much resolution as possible could be expected in men, they followed the Chase as far as Rathmines, where Ormonds' Company lay consisting of 19000 Horse and Foot, whom finding secure and out of order, they charged so vigorously, that they soon put the whole body to the rout, pursuing them as far as the Naas, Ormond himself hardly escaping on Horseback. In this Battle were above 3000 slain on the place, 2517 Prisoners taken, many men of quality, of which Ormonds own Brother was one, all their train of Artillery, Ammunition, and provision taken, and a rich Camp left for the Soldiers to plunder. Thus was this great Army of whom such matters were expected, overthrown and routed by a handful of men, and with so small a loss, that it would scarce gain belief if mentioned.  
But let us leave Ireland, and speak a little of the affairs of Scotland. The Scoth Commissioners at the Hague could not get the King to consent as yet to a full agreement with their Estates, it seemed somewhat too harsh to digest the Covenant, or condescend to the settling of Church-Government by Presbytery; nor could he either in honour or conscience desert those Noble persons, who had always stuck faithfully both to himself and Father, for a Nation that had sold his Father to destruction, though now they courted him with golden promises; but especially he could not tell how to part with Montross, who had ventured so far for him. Nor would the Commissioners, nor the States of Scotland themselves upon any terms re-admit him, but upon the grant of those Conditions. The King therefore (rather then so much descent from his Honour) grants a Commission to Montross to levy what Forces he could beyond Sea, and with them to go join with the Lord Seaforth, Major Straughan, and others who had got to a head for the King without the Kirk, in the North of Scotland; but they were routed before he came by Lesley, and himself not long after his arrival, defeated by a Party of the Kirks, taken prisoner, and most ignominiously hanged in Edinburgh, which action next that of selling their King, must necessarily bring as much odium upon the Scottish Presbyterians, as ever Sect was under.  
But let us return a little to England, where at length that turbulent Head-piece John Lilburn is brought to trial, the grand Champion of the Levellers, and indeed their only Patriot, a man of an undaunted spirit, neither to be deterred by threats, or won by favours. He was tried in Guild-Hall London, by a special Commission of Oyer and Terminer, where most of the Judges and Justices of the Courts at Westminster, the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs, and several Aldermen of London were present. His Indictment contained many crimes of a treasonable nature; chief being author of several scandalous reviling Pamphlets, against the Government and Governors of the Nation, and particularly that entitled, The second part of England's new Chains; which contained most sharp invectives against the Parliament, calling them Traitors, Tyrants, Murderers, Usurpers, telling them that they were wholly composed of Rebellion, Villainy, Murder, and Perjury, with a great deal of such rabble; yet though these Books were verily believed his, the proofs not being clear, the Jury found him not guilty, whereupon he was acquitted.  
But let us return to see how the Lord General Cromwel's Army got over into Ireland. The general Rendezvows being at Milford-Haven, they there had the news of the great victory over Ormonds' Army, which no doubt displeased the Lord General, who had hopes to have had a share in, or the whole glory of so great a victory; however he makes what haste he can over, and himself August 13 departs from Milford-Haven, with the Van of the Army in thirty two Ships; on the 15th of May General Ireton follows with the Main in forty two Vessels; Mr Hugh Peter brings up the rear in about twenty Sail. Favourable winds brought them soon to Dublin, where the Canons echoed forth the joy of their arrival; but the Lord Deputy Cromwell being wholly addicted to action, stayed not long to receive those entertainments, which the Citizens of Dublin gave, but having refreshed his Army some time, draws out a Body of 15000 Horse and Foot to a general Muster, out of which he selects twelve Regiments, containing 9 or 1000 able and resolute men for the present expedition, which he intends for Droghedah; and having furnished his Army with a train of Artillery, fit for the siege of so well fortified a place, marches on with his Army, and being come near the Town (according to the custom of War) sends a Summons to Sr Arthur Aston Governor, but the Summons prevailed little upon a person known to be so able a Soldier, and who had above 2000 English Gentlemen with him, who had most of them been formerly Commanders in the late King's Army; but an answer was returned, containing a resolution to expire with the taking of the Town; whereupon the Lord General order all things for the quickest accomplishment of his design, which was to take the Town per force, since quick dispatches must necessarily be the life of his business, the Winter drawing so nigh; and however should that let be removed, yet if he should stay the starving it out, he should give Ormond, Inchequeen, etc. time to raise an Army for its relief; the batteries therefore are planted to the best advantage, and play as furiously, so that in four hours' space it leveled the Steeple of St Maries Church, and a Tower by it; and continuing the next day after near five hundrep Shot, the Southeast Tower is beaten down, and two very considerable breaches made, which are immediately entered by Colonel Castles, Huson's, and Ewers Regiments, Colonel Castle himself (which seldom Commanders of like note use to do in a storm) leading the Van (by the Lord Deputy Cromwell's special Order, for what intent I'll leave to others to guests) where he was slain; the Charge on both sides was so hot, as seldom the like hath been seen, the grapple being on both sides at swords point (the only weapon to execution) for near three hours' space, till the Assailants were forced to retire, which Cromwell seeing, commands a fresh reserve of Colonel Ewers his Regiment to assail the breach, (but others say that he entered himself, which is very hardly believed, he having too much wisdom to be so desperate) who meeting with wearied Defendants forced their way; though they met with a noble and heroic assistance, yet they gained a sure possession in the Town, though they could not yet subdue it, for Sr Arthur ashton's men hotly disputed every corner of the Street, so that the Assailants were forced to win what they did by small degrees, till at last the supernumerary force of their enemies overcoming their valour, they all were massacred by their merciless adversary, the Lord Deputy Cromwell having given strict Orders, not to allow Quarter either to Man, Woman; or Child, which unparalleled cruelty, though it may find excuses amongst men who delight in flattery, yet will it undoubtedly find as cruel a reward from the most just God, who judgeeth every man's actions impartially.  
Some there were who got into Steeples and other places of defence, thinking to save themselves, but were all forced either by the sword or famine to yield, who yet in cold blood found as little mercy, as their fellows had done in the heat of the Battle; there being not above two escaping with their lives, the Dean Barnard afterwards made Almoner, and the other an old man by his leaping out of a Steeple, which Cromwel's Soldiers blew up with Gunpowder, who though he broke his Leg, yet had his life saved. This great slaughter not being occasioned neither by the heat of the Soldiers, but by Cromwel's special Command, who vowed somewhat to a noble Officer of his, (pleading for mercy for the Defendants) That he would sacrifice their bodies to the souls of the Englishmen they had murdered, which he could not in justice say of those in Droghedah, knowing them to be most Englishmen, and such whose greatest fault was to serve their true and lawful Sovereign in his just defence.  
However this slaughter works for his ends, for upon the News the Soldiers and Townsmen in Trim and Dundalke, (two adjacent Garrisons) quit their holds; and such was their haste in Trim, that they l ft their great Guns behind them on the Platforms; and well might their fear be great at the News of Droghedahs' taking, when Sr Phelime O Neal at the hearing of it, burst out in a passion swearing, That if Cromwell had taken Droghedah by storm, if he should storm Hell, he would take it.  
This considerable action having had such wished for success, Cromwell directs his Army towards Wexford, and in his way engarrisons Killingkerick and Arcklo Castle (the feat of the Ormonds) two deserted Forts; many others in that March submitted, whereof most being places inconsiderable were slighted, others engarrisoned.  
The first of October the Army faces Wexford, and the Lord Deputy requires Colonel Synnot the Governor to make a speedy surrender of it; he returns an answer somewhat dubious, so that many Papers pass between him and the Lord Deputy, which was occasioned only by a design the Governor had to waste and delay time, till the Earl of Castle-haven was entered into the Town with 500 men to strengthen the Garrison. So when the Governor had received these recruits, he no longer writes dubiously, but plainly sends word to the Lord Deputy, that he was resolved to stand it out to the utmost; whereupon Cromwell being enraged at his mockery, bends his force at the Castle, which stands at the Southeast end of the Town, which after having received some hundreds of great Shot, was forced to a rendition. This so quelled the hearts of the stout Wexfordians, that they quitred their Walls, and gave the Enemy free leave to enter, which they delayed not to do, but meeting with no resistance, fell in pell mell till they came to the Marketplace, where the Soldiers and Inhabitants reviving their courage, in vain maintained their ground for a short time, for they were soon overpowered, and all that were found in Arms, slain.  
Thus Wexford being taken, Cromwell marches on to Waterford and takes Passage-Fort, but because of the Winter, presently raises his Army, and whilst several parties are disposed in their winter-quarters, they reduce several engarrisoned places, so that in fine all considerable places in Ireland, except Limerick, Waterford, Clonmell, Galloway and Kilkenny, were in the possession of the Lord Deputy Cromwell.  
But let us leave him thus victorious in Ireland, and return to the King and Scots. The King seeing business go so ill in Ireland, resolves to comply somewhat nearer with the Scots, who (notwithstanding his giving Commissions to Montross) still solicit him by Commissioners, and at length come to agreement with him.  
The news of this, and the Scottish great preparations for war, and as it is supposed to invade England, makes the Parliament send over to Ireland for their victorious General Cromwell, whom they intent to send into Scotland, to hinder their coming into England (General Fairfax having pleaded his disability to go:) but Cromwell before his coming away, he reduces the City of Kilkenny, and the strong Fort of Clonmell, the one by Articles, the other by storm: which done leaving Ireton Deputy in his stead, he takes Ship at Wexford, and so came over to Bristol, and from thence by Post to London, where upon Saturday the first of june, he arrived with unexpressible imaginations of joy.  
About this time Prince Rupert who had played many pranks at Sea, is blocked up by the three English Admirals in Lisbon, (most of his Ships being before either taken or sunk) who treat with the King of Portugal to force him out of his harbour, which he by no means, neither promises nor threats, could be induced to do, though the English surprise many of his Sugar-Ships coming from Brazill, and threaten to take the rest in case he resolves not to renounce his protection of Prince Rupert; but at last the English for want of water and victuals, are forced to departed from before the Port; which opportunity Prince Rupert taking, gets out and steers for Malaga; whither the English having victualled follow them, take the Roebuck, force the Black-Prince and four more ashore, and Prince Rupert escaping with two Ships more, they slight him, and giving over further search, return with victory to England.  
About this time likewise the English having sent Mr Anthony Ashcam Agent to the King of Spain, he arrived the 5th of june 1650. at Sancta Maria, where hearing many threats against his person, he procured a guard for to convey him to Madrid; where at his first arrival, lying at an Inn, being the next day at dinner with his Interpreter, six roaring Dons knocked at the door, and having easy admittance, Mr Ashcam rose to salute them; whereupon the first stabbed Mr Ashcam, and his Interpreter endeavovaing to escape, was wounded in the belly, both falling down dead in the place; the murderers though they escaped to the Sanctuary, were fetched out by the King of Spain, but again returned thither by the Pope's special mandate.  
The League and agreement being as I said before fully concluded between the Scots and the King, so that there wanted nothing but their having him with them, which to expedite, he hastens from Breda, comes to the Hague; and there takes shipping; from whence, notwithstanding the wait laid for him, he arrives safely at the Spey in the north of Scotland, where he is received with the best entertainment the Scots could give him.  
But before he ascend the Throne, there are other Conditions to be agreed on, which they told him not of before; 1. He must take the solemn League and Covenant. 2. He must subscribe to a Declaration of the Kirks own framing; declaring, That he renounced the sins of his Father's house, and of his own; the Idolatry of his Mother, by a constant adhering to the Cause of God according to the Covenant, in the firm establishment of Church-government, as it is laid down in the Directory of public Worship, Confession of Faith and Catechism. These and many other bitter Pills was he forced to take, to purge him and make him fit for that Crown which was shortly after put upon his head.  
And now the Parliament of England begin to think of their security, and for fear of an invasion from the Scots, resolve to invade the Scots; they therefore order the Armies speedy advance, which presently alarms the Scots; they send two or three Papers to Sr Arthur Haslerig, than Governor of Newcastle, expostulating for the sudden approach of the English Army, which they do only to gain time, that they may be in a better readiness to receive them.  
The Parliament to satisfy the people of England, publish a Declaration large and specious enough, showing the causes and reasons of the Armies so sudden advance into Scotland, though indeed they could pretend nothing in justice, but only a fear lest Scotland should invade them.  
July 22. 1650, The English Army quit their Quarters at Berwick, and advance into Scotland, as far as the Lord Mordingtons' house; so they are now the first invaders; thence on to Copperspeth, and so to Dunbar, where they receive provisions from their Ships, and so march to Haddington.  
At Haddington the Lord General Cromwell hearing that the Scotch Army would meet him next at Gladmoore, endeavours to possess the Moor before them, but no considerable Party of Scots appeared: Lambert and whaley are sent with 1400 Horse to attempt somewhat on the Enemy at Musselborough, but nothing could be done; The English encamped that night within four Miles of the Scots, but the next day they perceived the Scots Camp so strongly fortified, and flankred with great Guns, that they judged it in vain to attempt any thing upon it, so the English retreat to refresh themselves; the Scots fell in on their rear, and put them to some disorder, till a body of English Horse close with them, put them to the rout, and pursue them to their very trenches. Lambert was in this encounter wounded in two places, and taken prisoner, but rescued again; two or three Scotch prisoners of note were taken, and some few slain on both sides.  
The English march off quietly to Musselborough, but very much tired and faint for want of provisions, and by lying open in the rain, that they expected the Enemy should fall upon them in the night, which they did, broke through the English Guards, and put a Regiment of Horse to disorder; but the English sallying, and the whole Army taking the Alarm, charged, routed, and pursued those fifteen Troops under Command of Montgomery, and Straughan: These losses made the Scots keep closer in their trenches.  
In the mean time affairs go on well for the Parliament in Ireland; Teoroghan-Castle notwithstanding the stour resistance of the Lady Governess, is at last compelled to yield: Waterford before which the Lord Deputy Ireton was set down, was in a yielding capacity: Ormonds, Castlehavins, and other royal Forces dispersed, so that there now remained only Limericke, Galloway, and some other inconsiderable Garrisons, to the wholly reducing that Kingdom.  
Somewhat before this the English Plantations in Virginia, and the Caribdy Island, revolted from their obedience to the Parliament, and declare unanimously for Monarchy and Liturgy, but the decay of their Trade (without which they could not long subsist) and a Squadron of Ships sent under the Command of Sir George Askew, quickly reduces them to compliance.  
The Parliament of England the more to afflict the Scots, and increase their misery, prohibit all traffic with them, command all their Merchants and Ships to departed in ten days, who going without Convoy, most of them fall into the hands of the English Frigates, against whom they could make no resistance.  
Colonel Eusebius Andrews being taken with a Commission from the King, is apprehended, and accused for a design to subvert the Government of this Commonwealth, for which he is condemned, and executed on Tower-hill; one Benney who was found to have a hand in the business, is hanged, drawn, and quartered at Tyburn.  
But to digress: The Prince of Orange having a design to enlarge his power over the united Provinces, is impeaded by the City of Amsterdam; whereupon he endeavours to surprise it: but the Burghers having advice of it, by letting open their sluices forbidden the approach of his Army, so his design failing, he came off with disgrace; but they afterwards came to an agreement, and the Prince was forced to be content with the power he had before, or less.  
The English Army in Scotland (to which it is time to return) having taken Collington-house, and Readhall by storm, and in the last the Lord Hamilton, Major Hamilton, and good store of Ammunition, and provision, move from Pentland-hills, and Collington, and Readhall, within a Mile of the Scotch Army; both Armies march side by side in view of each other, but a Bog betwixt them hindered an Engagement, but the great Guns played on both sides, which nevertheless provoked not the Scotch to fight, but still they kept under protection of the Bog, which the English seeing, retreated and marched to Musleborough to refresh themselves; which done, they draw off and march to Haddington: the Scots attending their right wing, fall on desperately, but are repulsed by Colonel Fairfaxes Regiment.  
September 1. 1650, the English Army marched to Dunbar, whither the Scots followed them, and drew up their whole Army upon a high Hill, within a Mile of the Town: The English Army drew up in a Cornfield below, being encamped on a neck of Land, not a Mile and half from the Sea to Sea; so that the Scots Army being above them, and finding their advantage, endeavoured the gaining of Copper-speth-pass, which effected, they bragged they had the English in Essex his pound; and Lesly the Scotch General bragged he would have the English either dead or alive.  
The straits of the English were very great, many sick and disabled, and themselves penned up in this manner wanting provisions; they resolved on the third of September, either to force their way through their Enemies, or die nobly in the attempt; a Party of Horse is first set to gain the pass, which effected, the whole Army charged, and after about an hours hot engagement, the Scotch Horse being routed, the Foot threw down their Arms and fled There was in the Scotch Army this day near 16000 Foot & 6000 Horse, whereof 4000 were slain, near 10000 taken Prisoners. The English Army were not above 7500 Foot and 3500 Horse, besides disabled men. There was taken from the Scots near 200 Foot and Horse Colours, 27 Fieldpieces, 10000 Arms, and many Prisoners of note; amongst which were the Lords Liberton, Lumsdale and Grandison.  
This relation gives me occasion to give you some heads of Cromwel's Letter to the Speaker, wherein the Reader may please to observe his religious canting, and judge themselves if they would not have took him for a Saint. Having given a relation of the fight and victory, he craves leave to add a few words, of which these are part, viz. It is easy to say the Lord hath done this it would do you good to see and hear our poor Foot go up and down making their boast of God; but Sr, it is in your hands, and by this eminent mercy God puts it more in your hands, to improve your power and his blessings to his praise; we that serve you beg of you, not to own us but God alone. We pray you own his people more and more, for they are the Chariots and horsemen of Israel; disown yourselves, but own your authority, and improve it, to curb the Proud and the insolent, such as would disturb the tranquillity of England, though under what specious pretences foever, etc. Again, Since we came into Scotland, it hath been our desire and longing, to have avoided blood in this business, by reason that God hath a people here fearing his Name though much deceived, and to that end we have offered much love to such in the bowels of Christ; and concerning the truth of our hearts therein we have appealed unto the Lord, etc. and more, this is the great hand of the Lord, and worthy the consideration of all those, who taking into their hands the instruments of a foolish shepherd, to wit, meddling with worldly policies, and mixtures of earthly power, to set up that which they call the Kingdom of Christ, which is neither it, and if it were, would such means be found effectual to that end, and neglect or trust not to the Word of God, the Sword of the Spirit, which is alone powerful and able for the setting up of that Kingdom, and when trusted to will be found effectually able for that end, and will also do it. This is humbly offered for their sakes, who have lately too much turned aside, that they might turn again to preach JESUS CHRIST according to the simplicity of the Gospel, etc. If this man could not dissemble well, who ever did?  
The Parliament ordered, that the Scottish Colours taken from Duke Hamilton at Preston in Lancashire, and those sent from Dunbar, taken at the now recited battle, should be hanged up in Westminster hall, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side.  
About this time died in the Isle of Wight the Princess Elizabeth, third Daughter to the late King Charles, who had her Funeral rights performed in Newport Church in the same Island, Tuesed Sept. 24. presently after which the Parliament gave order for the sending of Henry Duke of Gloucester her Brother to the University at Heidelberg (a Town of the Prince Electors) where the Parliament ordered him an allowance of 27500 per annum. Quam diu se bene gesserit.  
In the mean time by the care and pains of the Lord Deputy Ireton, Munster and Ulster are reduced to obedience, except some Tories which stand out and lie sculcking in the woods and fastnesses. Waterford being surrendered, there was nothing now left towards the Conquest of that Country but Connaught; to which effect Limerick as the pass into it was blocked up Deputy Ireton. But let us by a little leave these affairs in Ireland, for the more important affairs of Scotland.  
After the Victory won at Dunbar, the Scots not only lose all their Arms and Artillery in the Camp, but likewise quitted Leith and Edinburrough; whereupon the Lord General the 7th of Septemb. sends four Regiments to take possession of Leith (where they found 37 Guns mounted on the Platforms, some shot, and store of Ammunition) and the same day Cromwell draws the rest of the Army into Edenburrough, without any loss, save the Arm of a Soldier, though the Castle played hot upon them.  
After the Army had spent some time in fortifying Leith, and Cromwell had by beat of Drum and sound of Trumpet proclaimed a Protection of Markets, and liberty of Trade in Edinborrough and Leith, the Army advances towards Sterling, whither most of the Scottish Nobility and Gentry had retired from Edenborrough and Leith,) and Septemb. 18. being within a mile of the Town, a Counsel of War was called, and a Summons resolved to be sent, for its surrender to the service of the Commonwealth of England; and accordingly a Trumpeter was sent with a Letter, who being come near the Town, was met by a Gentleman on foot, with a Pike in his hand, who told him that he would neither let him come in, nor receive his Letter.  
The same day the Scots sent our a Trumpet, desiring a release of Prisoners upon ransom; but General Cromwell returned answer, That he came not thither to make merchandise of men, but for the service and security of the Commonwealth of England.  
The Summons sent to Sterling not being received, caused Orders to be given for the getting of Ladders and all things necessary for a storm; but upon second thoughts, the strength of the Enemy and dangers being considered, it was agreed that the Army should draw off, which accordingly they did and marched to Linlithgow, which place lying between Edinborrough and Sterling, being judged fitting to be made a Garrison of, the General ordered to be fortified, and leaving in it five Troops of Horse and six Companies of Foot, marched with the rest to Edinborrough.  
About this time Sept. 23. the afflicted Kirk of Scotland appointed a solemn day of Fasting and Humiliation; 1. To humble themselves for their too much confidence in the arm of flesh. 2. For the malignity and profaneness of their Army. 3. For the plunderings and wickedness of their Army when they were in England. 4. For their not sufficient purging their Army. 5. For their Commissioners unlawful and surreptitious manner of prosecuting the Treaty with their King, and their crooked ways in bringing him home. 6. For their not sufficient purging the King's house. 7. For the just grounds they have to believe his Majesty's repentance was not sound nor from the heart.  
In the mean time General Cromwell endeavours to beget a right understanding with those that dissented from the King but stood for the Kirk, viz. Coll. Kerre and Straughan, and their adherents for there were three factions in Scotland, viz. one in the North was for the King without the Kirk; another party in the West, was for the Kirk without the King; the third was for King and Kirk, and these were they then at Sterling, who bore the greatest sway, viz. The Committee of Estates and General Assembly. To Coll. Kerr, etc. Commis. General whaley is sent with a party, but he accosts them first with a Letter, declaring, That it was not unknown what amicable ways they had used to avoid the effusion of Christian blood before and since they came into Scotland, which though hitherto hath been ineffectual, yet they should endeavour the same. Showing further, That their arms were still stretched out to embrace them, when ever God should incline them to come in, and that they sought not dominion over them to enslave them, nor to depress their Kirk Government, neither that they sought to have their goods or estates, but to carry on the Lords work, etc. with a great deal of such like stuff.  
To this Letter Coll. Kerre sends an Answer to Commis. Gen. whaley in very short terms, telling him, That though they were not in a capacity to act against the Englishmen unjust invasions; yet they were in a capacity to suffer, and should submit to Gods will either by doing or suffering, till the time of their deliverance came: that if it were their happiness to perish in their duty, it would be a sufficient mercy to them, and when the persecution had arrived to its height, their captivity should be returned. Adding, that he thought it strange the English should talk of a cessation, whilst they were captivating their poor people, assaulting their Garrisons, apprehending their Ministers, tearing them from their holy callings and from their holy sighing stocks; concluding the departure of the English out of that Kingdom, and then desiring a Christian Treaty, would be a great favour and mercy equally as great to the one as the other; that in the mean time he should stand upon his guard and expect no further overtures of peace.  
But to digress a little: About the latter end of this month of October departed this life the Prince of Orange, who had lately endeavoured to curb the High and Mighty States; in him King Charles lost his greatest interest he had in those parts. His Princess some ten days after his death was delivered of a young Prince, which in part mitigated the grief for her Husband's death.  
But let us look a little into Ireland, where Sr John Dungan and Scurlog having gotten together near 500 Horse and Foot, met with a party of the Parliaments Army of about 300, charged them, and overpowering them in Horse routed them, slew 50 upon the place, took near 40 Prisoners, and had carried them into the Woods, had not Captain Essex with about 50 Horse, 20 Dragoons, and 100 Foot come to their rescue; the body of the English Army lay before Limerick.  
But to return again to Scotland: Cromwell seeing that Peace would not be harkened to, disposes his Army to the War; Major Brown with a party takes in Dalhouse, a supposed harbour of Moss-Troopers, of which sort of vermin he took divers in Darlington house, whom he caused to be shot upon the place. Colonel Monk is sent with a party to reduce Roselane Castle, which with the help of some Granades he makes yield to mercy. Major General Lambert marches to Dunfreez to join with whaley (who had taken Dalkeith Castle by a terrible summons in his march against Kerre and Straughan. This Castle wall was thirteen foot broad at the top, and well stored with Ammunition and Provision.  
Colonel Kerre was now about Beebles: Lambert having with much difficulty marched over the River to Hamilton, resolves to quarter there that night; which Kerre hearing, resolved to beat up his quarters, and if possible surprise the Major General; this he attempted with a great deal of resolution, but the English taking the Alarm intime, on a sudden encompassed most of the enemy's Horse, killed 100, took 100, besides 400 Horse and Furniture forsook of their Riders, therest they pursued as far as Air; in the which pursuit Colonel Kerre was was taken, and several of his Officers. This defeat caused Straughan to come in, who was with the rest carried by the Major General to the head Quarters. Cromwell all this while strongly besieges the Castle of Edinburrough, yet his mines prove ineffectual in that hard Rock; so that he causes an artificial Mount to be raised, whereon to plant his battery, so that his Canons and Granades flew thick and threefold at the Castle, at which the Defendants at first hung out a red Flag in defiance, but after a short time hung out a white one for Parley, which was accepted, and after a great many Messages to and fro, surrendered, upon Articles agreed upon between Major Abernethe and Captain Hynderson on the part of the Castle, and Colonel. Monck and Lieu. Coll. White on the Generals, to this effect: First, That the Castle be surrendered to his Excellency on the 24th of December, with all the Arms, Magazine and furniture of war thereto belonging. That the Governor with all the Officers and Soldiers should then march forth with their Arms, Colours flying, Drums beating, Matches lighted, and Bullet in mouth, whether they shall think fit. That such adjacent Inhabitants as had Goods in the Castle, should have them restored; and to that purpose they had liberty from the 19th to the 24th of December to fetch them away. The sudden rendition of so strong a hold as this was, made the world believe, that the Canons played upon it with Silver instead of Iron shot.  
About this time there was a kind of petty Insurrection in Norfolk, by a company of inconsiderable persons, who declared for the suppressing of Popery, restoring King Charles to his Crown, revenge of his Father's death, and for rooting out of heresy and schism; but being only begun by a disorderly number, they were soon vanquished, and the principal risers about 20 in number executed.  
Sr Henry Hid having received a Commission from the King of Scots, to be Ambassador for him at the Grand-Signors Port in Constantinople; being arrived there stood in competition with Sr Thomas Bendish, than Ambassador, and the Case being heard before the Vizier, the Verdict was given on Bendish his side; so that Sr Harry Hide was forced to departed the Port, whence coming to Smyrnd, with an intention to go for Venice, he was by a wile invited on board a Ship to a Feast, was treacherously brought away to England, and here beheaded before the Royal Exchange, for having taken Commissions from that King.  
The Winter being now at the height, made the War in Scotland at a stand on the English part; but the Scots having now as they thought throughly purged their King, proceeded to his Coronation, which was performed at Scone, with as much Solemnity and Gallantry, as their necessities would permit, on the first of January 1651.  
The King crowned, they proceed to the Excommunication of Straughan, Swinton, and others who had deserted them, and were gone in to the English; they then strive to pacify dissenting parties, and pass an Act for new Levies throughout the Nation. The King is likewise created General of this Army now intended to be levied, with an unusual kind of Ceremony, viz. by crossing a Pike, Musket, Carabine, and Sword over his Head. Lothian Car is made Major General; and Middleton Lieutenant General, David Lesley having lain down his Commission.  
The English now beginning to stir, Colonel Fenwicke is commanded to march with two Regiments of Horse and Foot, for reducing of Hume-Castle; who having faced it, sent a Summons to the Governor, to which he returned an answer; the capriciousness whereof makes me insert both. Thus ran the Summons.  
Sir, His Excellency the Lord General Cromwell hath commanded me to reduce this Castle you now possess, which if you now deliver into my hands for his service, you shall have fit terms for yourself, and those with you, and ease the adjacent parts of a great Charge. If you refuse, I doubt not but in a short time by the Lord's assistance, to obtain what now I demand. I expect your answer to morrow by seven of the Clock; and rest  
To the Governor of Hume-Castle.  
Your Servant George Fenwick.  
To which the Governor next Morning returned this answer.  
Right Honourable, I have received a Trumpeter of yours as he tells me, without a pass, to render Hume-Castle to the Lord General Cromwell. Please you I never saw your General.  
As for Hume- Castle it stands upon a Rock,  
Given at Hume-Castle this day before seven a Clock. So rests without prejudice to my native Country. Your most humble Servant Tho. Cockburne.  
After this conceited answer of the Governors, he likewise salutes Colonel Fenwick with these Verses.  
I William of the Wastle  
Am now in my Castle,  
And awe the Dogs in Town  
Shan't gar me gang down.  
But after the great Guns had played a little, and a small breach was made, at which Fenwicks men were ready to enter, he was forced to surrender the Castle upon Quarter for life, of which Captain Collinson with his Company took possession. Colonel Monk likewise though in somewhat longer time had the same fortune with three Regiments of Horse and Foot in reducing Timptallon-Castle, (which had many times cut off Passengers, and done no little harm to the Country by frequent excursions,) the Governor and Soldiers finding no other Conditions, being forced to surrender to mercy.  
But to give some stop to the English Proceed, General Cromwell was taken with a violent Fever, which confined him many days to his Chamber, insomuch that it was generally voted up and down the Scoth Camp that he was dead, but a Trumpeter coming to Edinborough from Fife (to demand restitution of a Ship laden with goods, which was taken by the English Frigates, going from Brunt Island to Fife) and there confidently averring to the Soldiers that their General was dead; which coming to Cromwel's ears, he caused the Trumpeter to be brought before him, and not only gave him assurance of his life, but of his recovery in great measure, which at his return caused no small decrease of joy in the Scotch Army.  
General Dean about this time arrived at Leith, with a Squadron of English Ships, bringing with him a convenient quantity of supplies both of men, Money, and provisions, together with twenty seven flat bottomed Boats for transportation of the Army over into Fife, so extremely careful were the Parliament of their Army in Scotland.  
In the mean time the Scotch Levies go on vigorously; Middleton marches out of the Highlands with a considerable number both of Horse and Foot. The Town of Dundee to show their affection to his Majesty, advanced a brave Regiment of Horse at their own charge, and sent them with six brass pieces of Ordnance, for a present to their King at Sterling.  
Whilst these things were acting in Scotland, there happened a very strange accident at Oxford in England. One Anne Green servant to Sr Thomas Read, having been got with Child by a Gentleman of the House, about the fourth Month of her time, by over-working fell in travel, and not knowing what it might be, went to the House of Office, where with some straining, an abortive Infant of about a span long fell from her, which being found out, she was carried prisoner to Oxford, and there condemned for the Murder, and hanged: After she had hung near an hour, (all which time she was pulled by the Legs, and struck on the Breast by some of her friends, and some Soldiers that stood by with the But ends of their Muskets:) she was cut down, put into a Coffin, and brought to a house to be dissected by some Physicians; when they opened the Coffin, they perceived a rattling in her Throat, whereupon one standing by stamped on her Breast and Belly; but Dr Petty and two other Doctors present, fell speedily to use some means to bring her to life, which they did to the wonder of all men; she still as upon the Gallows averring her innocency.  
The Parliament now to abolish the shadow, as well as formerly they had done the substance of Monarchy, cause the Statuas of the late King, which were set up at the West end of the Cathedral of St Paul's Church; aed that set up in the Royal Exchange, to be pulled down; and over the conspicuous place of the last, caused this ignominious, Motto to be set:  
Exit Tyrannus Regum ultimus, anno libertatis Angliae restitutae primo. Anno Domini 1648. January 30. which might far better be inverted.  
They likewise cause the King's Arms in all places of the Kingdom to be defaced and expunged, the Soldiers using all violence imaginable to his Majesty's Pictures, though but set up for Signs.  
In the mean time the Parliament are courted by several foreign Ambassadors from the Hollander, Spaniard, and Portugal, all requesting peace and amity; though 'tis suspected the Hollander then intended a War.  
But however the Parliament of England send over Oliver St John, and Walter Strickland Esquires, as Ambassadors extraordinary to Holland, where they were entertained with a great deal of Ceremony. The heads of their Ambassage was, 1. That a firm league and confederacy be made between the two Republics. 2. That former treaties and agreements of trade and commerce be renewed. 3. That the States of Holland would make strict search after the Murderers of Dr Dorislaus; and that like affronts might be prevented for the future.  
But notwithstanding the States had put out a Declaration, commanding that none should upon strict amercements affront the English Ambassadors; yet three Months were passed, and nothing agreed upon, but innumerable affronts received; the Ambassadors by Order of the Parliament of England returned home, infect â pace.  
But Van Trumpets lying hover with his Fleet of Scilly, made the English Jealous that they intended some hostile attempt upon the place; but the reason of his hover being demanded, the Hollanders answered, that they only lay there to demand satisfaction for such Ships, as those Pirates had taken from their people, which satisfied for the present; however the Parliament thought good to reduce those Isles under their own obedience, which they shortly after did, by a Fleet under Command of Admiral Blake, and Sr George Askew.  
In the mean time Cornet-Castle in the Isle of Guernsey, which still held out with a Party for the King, was assaulted by a considerable Party of Foot, upon information given that there was but Forty men in the Castle, and eighteen of them disabled, when upon trial there was found sixty good men in the Castle, who made hot work for the assailants, breaking their Ladders, and killing many of them with Case-shot from the Flankers, so that they were fain to get off by the Boat, which proved as unfortunate, two Boats full of Soldiers being sunk by Shot from the Castle.  
Captain Browne bushel, a Noble Royalist, who had done many handsome actions for the service of both the Kings, was beheaded under the Scaffold at Tower-hill.  
In the mean time the Forces under Command of the Lord Deputy of Ireland, scatter and disperse those Forces raised by Castle-haven, Clanrickard, Dillon, and others, in the Counties of Kerryathlone, Monaghan, and Wicklow, and settle several Garrisons, to the distraction of most of their Enemies; no considerable places being left to them but only Limerick and Galloway. That considerable Garrison of Finnagh in Westmeath, being surrendered to Commissary General Reynolds, and Phelim Mac Hugh, who came with 1500 Horse and Foot to its relief, routed, most of his Company slain, and many considerable Officers taken prisoners.  
But let us return again to the main business in Scotland. Colonel Monk with a Party of Horse and Foot marches towards Blackness, a Garrison of the Scots, which had much endamaged the English Quarters; which after the Batteries raised, and some Shot was spent, was reduced, the Defendants craving Quarter, which (considering the strength of the place) was granted.  
The Scots in the mean time grow powerful; for notwithstanding all the strifes and emulations amongst them, an agreement is patched up, to the seeming satisfaction of all the dissenters; they are likewise in hopes of a power to rise for them in Lanchashire, which with a considerable Party promised from Scotland to join with them, might confront any force of the Parliaments; but the design is discovered before it was acted, and Thomas Cook Esquire of Grays-Inne the principal Agent for Lancashire taken.  
Major General Harrison upon these discoveries is sent into the North with a Body of Horse and Foot, and to oppose the Enemy if he should make an invade, by way of Carlisle.  
The  plot was contrived throughout all England, though by ill fortune timely prevented; several persons of quality, but most Presbyterian Divines were taken, viz. Mr Christopher Love, Major Alford, Major adam's, Colonel Barton, Mr Blackmore, Mr Case, Mr Cauton, Dr Drake, Captain Far, Mr Gibbons, Mr Hrviland, Major Huntingdon, Mr jenkin's, Mr jaquell, Mr jackson, Lieutenant Colonel jackson, Captain Massey, Mr Nalton, Captain Potter, Mr Robbinson, Mr Sterks, Colonel Sorton, Colonel Vaughan, and others; of which only two suffered, viz. Mr Love, and Mr Gibbons, who after many delays were beheaded on Tower-hill, the 22. of August 1651.  
There happened much about this time a petty rising in Wales, two or three hundred persons being gathered together in behalf of the Scots King, upon a report that the English Army was routed, and the Scotch advancing into England; but the design proved as void of success, as the report was of truth.  
But the Scots make several infalls upon the Outguards and Garrisons of the English, wherein they had frequently good success, killing some, and taking others, having the advantage of the English in the knowledge of the Country, which makes the English contract their Quarters, drawing away the Out-Garrisons, and putting the Army into a posture to march to Fife; but the Ground not yet affording Grass or Oats, the enterprise was for the present suspended.  
The Scotch Levies were now completed to 15000 Foot and 6000 Horse, with which they march on this side Sterling, to a place called Torwood, where the King drew up most of his Horse and Foot, and enrails them in a regular fortification. Cromwell draws up his Army towards them, and marched in Battalia within view of their Camp, in hopes to draw them to a Fight; but they got nothing else from them, than some thundering Messengers from their great Artillery.  
The Lord General vexed at their delays, falls upon Kalendar-house, kept by a Party of theirs, and in the end though it was stoutly defended out of hopes of relief, takes it by storm; but when this neither would provoke the Scots to fight, he resolves now having so fit an opportunity, to do that which he had so long intended, viz. to land some men on Fife; and accordingly Colonel daniel's Regiment of Foot having four Companies more joined to it, and four Troops of Horse, all under Command of Colonel Overton, being embarked at Leith, under pretence of being sent for England, arrived next morning on the other shore, landed and entrenched in despite of a Party of Scots which strove to oppose them.  
This News brought to the Lord General, Major General Lambert is presently ordered with two Regiments of Horse and two of Foot to second them, which they did; but advice of it arriving in the Scotch Camp so alarmed them, that in all haste Major General Brown is sent with four Regiments of Horse and four of Foot, to drive the English out, which they might have done had not Major General Lambert been arrived before them. So there being now almost an equal force, the Fight began to the great loss of the Scots, whereof near 1500 were slain, 1000 taken prisoners, among which Sr John Brown, Major General was one, who shortly after (as 'tis supposed) out of grief for this defeat, died.  
Upon this overthrow the Scotch Army remove their Camp from Torwood, and march directly to Sterling-Park. Cromwell follows in their rear, hoping yet to draw them to a Battle, but they would by no means be induced to it, though he followed them within two Miles of Sterling.  
The Lord General perceiving his delays would be in vain, marches with his whole Army to Lithgoe, whence he sends over into Fife the greatest part of them, with the train of Artillery, to prosecute the War on the other side; the remainder with him being only four Regiments of Horse and four of Foot, which he made use of to secure what was already gained, and observe the Scots motions.  
In the mean time the Lord Lambert faces Brunt Island, which is surrendered upon Articles, without discharging so much as one piece of Artillery.  
The Lord General likewise having dispatched those affairs which detained him at Leith, crosses the Frith, and coming to the Army, draws them into a posture; and having left Colonel west's Regiment in Brunt Island, marches with the rest towards Sr Johnston, and in two day's faces the Town, and being informed that there was no Garrison in it, he sends a Summons to the Inhabitants, not doubting of a sudden rendition, but it proved otherwise: for the Lord Dafferes had the day before entered the Town with 1300 Soldiers.  
The Lord General hereupon sends another Summons to the Governor, who sullenly returns him no answer; but after the Artillery had played one day, his stomach came down, and the Town was surrendered upon Articles.  
The English Army being marched as far North as St john's Town, the King seeing affairs go so desperately in Scotland, and loath to lose so good an opportunity, advances with his whole Army consisting of about 16000, and marches with all speed possible into England by way of Carlisle.  
This sudden and unexpected action startled the whole English Nation, but especially the Parliament at Westminster, who though they had doubting such a thing, ordered Major General Harrison with 3000 Horse and Dragoons to attend such an irruption, yet knowing him unable to encounter so great a Body, they could not tell what the event might be; they therefore proceed to the levying of new Forces in all the Counties of England; and likewise for the better carrying on of their business, Enact, That no person whatsoever should presume to hold any correspondency with Charles Stuart or with his party, or with any of them, nor give any intelligence to them, nor countenance, encourage, abett, adhere to or assist any of them, nor voluntarily afford, or cause to be afforded or delivered to any of them any victuals, provision, Ammunition, Arms, Horses, Plate, Money, Men, or any other relief whatsoever, under pain of high Treason; and that all persons should use their utmost endeavours to hinder and stop their march.  
Yet for all this the Scotch Army went on in prosecution of their design, bending their course by a swift March for the West of England; though it was expected by the whole Nation, and especially by their friends, that they would have directed their course to London.  
General Cromwell being at St Johnston, and hearing of this sudden march, leaving such Forces as might secure that part of Scotland which was already won, and leaving six or seven thousand Horse and Foot more with Lieutenant General Monck to reduce those parts which remained; he order Major General Lambert with five Regiments of Horse and Dragoons to fly away with all possible speed to get into the rear of the Scots Army, whilst Harrison was in the Front, and with the rest of the Army follows as hard as he could, and on the 12 of August crossed the Tine; but let us leave him following the Scotch Army, and look a little into the affairs of Ireland.  
Limerick though for some time blocked up, yet held out stoutly against the Forces of the Lord Deputy Ireton, they still relying upon the Lord Muskerryes' help for relief, who at length having gathered an Army of near 1000 Horse and Dragoons and 2000 Foot, had an intention to join with some Forces which were got together in Lemster; but the Lord Broghill hearing of his design with about 400 Horse and Dragoons and 1000 Foot, endeavoured to hinder compaction, so there happened an engagement between them, which though it was bloody to the Lord Broghill (himself likewise being endangered) yet in the end he obtained full victory over the Lord Muskerryes' Forces, of whom there were near 600 slain, many of them Officers, but very few taken; there were likewise near 200 of the Lord Broghills slain, and many wounded, the dispute being very hot on both sides; yet this startled not at all either Limerick or Galloway, which were both beleaguered, and resolved to hold out to the uttermost bit of bread.  
But let us return to see how the Scots direct their March in England, where being come to Warrington Bridge, Harrison endeavours to impead their passage, but in vain; for they gained the Bridge, and forced him to retire; so they march on without impediment to Worcester, Lambert following them at the heels, and Cromwell with all possible expedition advancing from Scotland, the Militia in every County being raised, or marching towards them, to enclose them in that City of which they had possessed themselves.  
For on Friday the 23 of August, the King with his Army entered Worcester, resolving to tarry there and abide the brunt, for there were now so many Forces levied, that all ways were stopped to impead his Marching farther. He causes works to be raised here for his greater security, and sends forth his Letters Mandatory to Colonel Mackworth, Governor of Shrewsbury, and to Sr Thomas Middleton in Wales, for levying Forces to assist him; but both his commands and persuasions proved vain and unnsefull.  
And now the black day gins to draw nigh; Cromwell with an ivimaginable celerity joins with Fleetwood, Desborough, Grace of Groby, Lambert, and Harrison, who commanded the rest of the Parliaments Forces; the Militia Forces are likewise joined to them; so they all march unanimously forward to surround the Scotch Army in this pound at Worcester. Nor was there ever so great an Army gathered together in so small a time in England; for the whole force could not amount to less than 80000 men.  
The Army being now drawn near to Worcester, the first design they set upon was the possession of Vpton Bridge, where Cromwell intended to pass over with his Army. Fleetwood had the management of this enterprise, who sends first a small party of Horse and Foot, to judge of the feasableness of the attempt: these though they found the Bridge broken down, all save only one beam of Timber, which reached from one Arch to another, boldly dismount and venture over, and secure themselves in a Church, which Massey (who lay in Vpton with about 200 Horse and 60 Dragoons in a great deal of security, not dreading an Enemy) alarmed at, assaults, whilst in the mean time Lambert passes over a considerable party of Horse to their relief; whereupon Maffey finding it in vain to fight, made an honourable retreat towards Worcester, himself still bringing up the rear, in which service he was wounded by a shot in the hand.  
The Bridge thus won is immediately repaired, so that Fleetwoods' Army passes all over whilst Cromwell causes a Bridge of Boats to be made over the Severn, on the other side, that by passing over his Army, the Enemy might be the more streightened.  
But let us leave them a little at Worcester in the forementioned posture, and look a little into Lancashire, where the Earl of Derby with about 300 Gentlemen, endeavour to raise the Country, and had a party of near 1500 Horse and Foot; Collone Lilburne is ordered to oppose him, with whom General Cromwell's Regiment of Foot is ordered to join. To prevent their conjunction the Earl marches towards Manchester, to surprise that Regiment; Colonel Lilburne flanks the Enemy in their march, hoping by that means to join with the Regiment; which to prevent, the Enemy forces him to engage; the dispute was tedious, by reason Lilburne was over-matched with Foot, but in the end the Earl was totally routed. The Lord Widdrington, Sr Thomas Tidesly, Sr William Throgmorton, Sr Francis Gamuel, with many other inferior Officers, and about 60 Soldiers slain upon the place; Colonel Leg, Colonel Robbinson, Colonel Bay, and Colonel Gerrard, with several other Commission-Officers and Gentlemen, with about 500 private Soldiers were taken, together with the Earl of Derbeys George, Garter, and other Badges of his Order, but he himself escaped to Worcester, there to tell the sad news of his petty overthrow, which was but as a prologue to a greater.  
But to return again to Worcester, Fleetwoods' Army having all passed over Vpton Bridge, make a Bridge of Boats over the River Team, to attaque the West side of the Town, which so alarmed the Scots, that they rise from their Leaguer at St Jones, and with a great part of their Horse and Foot advance to oppose the Lieutenant General's passage. The Lord General to divert their design leads on in person on the other side of Worcester, which he had undertaken to attaque, two Regiments of Foot, Colonel hooker's Horse and his own Lifeguard, whilst Fleetwood with Colonel Goffs and Deans Regiments of Foot, marches on to a Hedge-fight, which the Scots thought most secure, and stoutly maintained their ground, till the fresh supply of Blakes, Gibbons, and Marshes Regiments force them to retire to Pawick Bridge, where they are again engaged by Colonel Hayns, Cobbets, and Matthews Regiments, and at length still overpowred by the Enemies fresh supplies, forced to retreat in some disorderly haste into Worcester.  
Their success being so bad on this side against Lieutenant General Fleetwood, they resolve to try if they could have better fortune against Cromwell on the other side. Therefore on a sudden they sally out with all the Horse and Foot they could, and at the first shock made Cromwel's men retire somewhat disorderly, the King himself performing the duty of a valiant Commander in the head of his Horse; but at length overpowred by their numerous fresh supplies, they were put to the rout. The Horse flying amain towards the North, and the Foot into Worcester, followed at the heels by their victors, who entered the Town with them, which they sacked; killed, or took most of the Scots prisoners, who found life or death, according to the mercy of those, into whose hands they fell.  
From this Battle there escaped only about 3000 Horse, most or all the Infantry being either slain or taken, and near 100 prisoners of quality; of which the chief were, Duke Hamilton, Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Derby, (who fell now into Colonel Lilburnes hands, though he missed him before) Earl of Cleaveland, Earl of Lauderdail, Earl of Rothes, Earl of Carnwath, Earl of Kelly, Lord Spine, Sir John Packington, Sr Charles Cunningham, Sir Ralph Clare, Major General Piscotty, Major General Montgomery, Colonel Graves, and Mr Richard Fanshaw, Secretary to his Majesty. The number of the prisoners in the whole was given out to be near 10000, together with whom was taken the King's Standard, Coach and Horses, Collar of SS, and Star-Cloak. Major General Massey likewise though he escaped the Battle, yet not finding any secure shelter, and being grievously wounded, surrendered himself prisoner to the Countess of Stamford, and was secured by the Lord Grey of Groby her son, and after recovery of his wounds, by him sent up to London, from whence he shortly after escaped.  
The News of this victory extremely rejoiced the Parliament at Westminster, who nevertheless were somewhat sorry for the escape of the King of Scots, who notwithstanding the great search made for him, and the Fine set upon his head, escaped. For after having quitted the field at Worcester, he with only one servant with him retired into the Woods, where he hide himself two or three days, till at length coming to a Gentleman's house, who had formerly been a servant of his Fathers, he was by him conveyed to a noble Esquires house in that County, where he lay disguised near two Months, till the heat of the search was over, from whence he came up to London as servant to a Gentlewoman, and so at fit opportunity escaped into France.  
Many of the Scotch Nobility were about this time taken by General Monck in Scotland, at a place called Ellet, where they were met together to negotiate the royal affairs; viz. old General Lesley, Earl of Martial, Earl of Craford, Lord Keith, Lord Ogilby, Lord Bargayny, Lord Huntly, Lord Lee, with many other Knights, Gentlemen, and Ministers, who were shortly after sent by Sea to London.  
The Lord General Cromwell after his great victory at Worcester on the third of September, (his ever propitious day) on the eighth sets forward towards London, where arriving on the twelfth he was met by the Speaker, and most of the Members of Parliament, the Precedent of the Counsel of State, the Lord Mayor and aldermans of the City of London, with great acclamations of joy, and acknowledgement of the Parliaments obligation to him for his eminent services, which was expressed by the Speaker in a very elegant speech.  
Shortly after two of the Parliaments Chieftains left this world, both men of eminent conduct, the one General Popham, one of the Admirals of their Fleet, who was a man from whom all men expected excellent service for them, had his days been prolonged: The other the Lord Deputy Ireton, who died of the plague under the Walls of Limerick, whose body (or a Coffin in its stead) was afterwards brought over into England, and laid in State in Sommerset-House, and from thence carried with as much pomp (as ever any Kings of England since the conquest) to be interred in Westminster Abbey, where his Effigies was likewise set up in requital of his many services, he having a long time been one of the Parliaments fortunate Commanders.  
In the mean time the Parliament take order for the speedy reducing of the Islands of Gersey and Man, in pursuance whereof Colonel Haynes with two Regiments of Foot and four Troops of Horse, set sail out of Weymouth the 16 of October, and arriving at Gersey though they found some opposition at Landing, yet they easily forced their way, and soon possessed themselves of the Island, all the Forts in it being presently delivered to them, except Elizabeth Castle, which held out till the middle of December, and was then surrendered upon Articles.  
Colonel Duckenfield, with his own General Cromwel's and General Deans Regiments of Foot and two Troops of Horse, on the 14th of October departed out of the Bay of Reaumorris, towards the Island of Man, and arriving there on the 17th in Ramsey-Bay, there came aboard to them an Islander, to assure them that they should have no opposition in their Landing; that they might come securely under their Forts which they had taken possession of for them; that only two Castles held out, viz. Peel and Rushed, which were held by the Forces of the Countess of Derby, which they would help them to reduce. He is at first disinherited, having nothing in writing to show, but Major Fox being sent ashore, finds it true; so the Army lands and besieges both the Castles of Peel and Rushed, which after short time delivered up with blood to Colonel Duckenfield for the use of the Parliament, on the 26th of October 1651, where there was found good store of provision and Ammunition of all sorts.  
Shortly after was surrendered to the Parliaments Forces the strong and impregnable hold of Corne-Castle in the Isle of Guernsey, with good conditions to the defendants, consideration being had to the strength of the place, and the blood might probably be yet spent in reducing it per force, or the charge they must necessarily have been at in starving it out, it being still found very well victualled.  
Notwithstanding that numerous company of Noble men and Persons of quality that were taken with the King at Worcester, there were none suffered under the Axe of the Parliaments Justice, but only the Earl of Derby; who notwithstanding his having quarter given him for life, was by a Counsel of War condemned to death, and accordingly had his head severed from his body on the 15th of October at Preston in Lancashire, where he first began his rising; and Sr Timothy Fetherstone who was executed shortly after. Some other persons of meaner quality suffered death at Chester, Shrewsbury, and other places.  
And now the Parliament having settled themselves so well at home, begin to take into consideration the many wrongs, affronts and mischiefs committed upon the English Nation by the Hollanders, together with their delays in treating for an Accommodation: therefore to show their resentment, they put forth an Act for encouragement of Navigation, the most pleasing to the English Mariners, and displeasing to the Hollanders that possible could be. The heads of it were these.  
1. That no Commodity whatsoever of the growth or manufacture of Europe, Asia, Africa or America, or any part thereof, as well of the English Plantations as others, should be imported into England, Ireland, or any of the Territories thereof, in any Ships but such only as do truly belong to this Commonwealth or the Plantations thereof, under the penalty of the forfeiture of Goods and Vessels.  
2. That no Commodities whatsoever of foreign growth or manufacture which are to be brought into this Commonwealth, in Ships belonging to the people thereof, shall be by them shipped from any places, but only from those of the said growth, production or manufacture, or from those ports where the said Commodities can only be or usually have been shipped for transportation, and from none other places.  
3. That no sort of Fish usually caught by the people of this Nation, nor any Oil made of Fish, nor any Whale, Finne or Whalebones, shall be imported as abovesaid, but only such as shall be caught in Vessels belonging to the people of this Nation, under the former penalty.  
4. That no kinds of salted Fish from the first of February 1653, shall be exported out of this Land in any other save English Vessels.  
There were several Exceptions and Prouisoes in it in reference to the Commodities of East-India, from the Levant seas, from the Ports of Spain and Portugal.  
This Act extremely perplexes the Hollander, who upon it they send over their extraordinary Ambassadors to renew a Treaty, and endeavour by all means possible the calling in of that Act which would be so pernicious to their engrossing Trade; but their designs failing in its recalling, they grow angry, and begin to dispute the unquestionable right of the English Sovereignty in the narrow Seas, refusing to lore their topsails; which was the occasion of that great breach of peace between these two Republics, more potent in shipping then all the rest of the Christian world. The first brush happened thus. In the beginning of May 1652, Van-Trump Admiral of the Dutch-Fleet, with about 42 sail of Ships was discovered on the back side of the Goodwin sands, bearing towards Dover-Road. Major Bourne who commanded a squadron of the Parliaments Ships lying then in the Downs, presently ordered the Greyhound Frigate to make sail and speak with them: which she did with the foremost, and they civilly struck their topsails, and said They came from Admiral Trump with a Message to the English Admiral; and coming aboard our Ships, told our men That the Northerly winds having blown hard several days, they were forced further to the Southward than they intended, and having road some days off Dunkirk, had lost there divers Cables and Anchors, professing they intended no harm to the English Nation. In the mean time Major Bourne having given General Blake who was to the Westward with the rest of the Fleet, speedy advice of them, he makes what haste he can towards them, and on the 19th of May in the morning he spies them at Anchor in Dover-Road; upon sight of him they weigh and stand to the Eastward, where they met with an Express from the States; whereupon they tacked about and bore directly for the English Fleet, Van-Trump being in the head with his Flag aloft and refusing to strike: Whereupon General Blake let's fly three Guns, but without Balls, at Trumpets Flag, and Trump in disdain shot off a Gun to the windward, and instead of loring his Flag, hangs out a red one of defiance (as a sign to his whole Fleet to begin the fight,) and gave General Blake a broadside; which was answered immediately with another, so the fight began hotly on both sides, and continued about four hours till night parted them. There was one Dutch Ship sunk, and another of thirty Guns taken with the Captains of both and near 150 Prisoners: of the English there was about 10 killed and 40 wounded: some Ships, and especially the Admiral, dammaged in their masts, sails and rigging, but no considerable hurt done.  
This attempt of the Dutch upon the English Fleet, whilst their Ambassadors were treating for Peace, so incensed the Parliament, that notwithstanding all that possibly could be alleged, either by those two Ambassadors then in England, or two other sent over, could not appease them, but they were fully resolved to be revenged of the Hollander for this high and daring affront; which final answer their Ambassadors having received, had leave to departed.  
And now these two mighty Commonwealths, prepare with all vigour possible for war. General Blake with a gallant Fleet of Ships is sent Northward toward the Isles of Orkney, to seize upon all such as he should find fishing on those Coasts, where he took 12 Dutch men of War which were Convoyers to those Fishermen.  
Sr George Ayskew with his squadron of Ships left to guard the narrow Seas, makes prize of many Holland Merchantmen, and going to Plymouth to clear the Seas and convoy those English Merchantmen that lay there, to London, being about 8, or 10 leagues off Plymouth, he receives intelligence of the Dutch Fleet, calls a Counsel of War, and resolves to find them out; and the same day being the 16th of August, between one and two in the afternoon, they had sight of the Dutch Fleet, and presently stood towards them with all the sail they could pack: The Dutch were 60 men of War and 30 Merchant men; the English but 46 in all with Fireships and Scouts. Sr George with a squadron of seven Ships charges through and through the Dutch, notwithstanding they at first brunt received very much damage in their masts and rigging; and had the rest of the Captains done their duty, they had in all probability routed the Dutchman's great Fleet, but at length the night parted them: the English in this fight had several Captains wounded, and Captain Pack killed.  
Prizes of Holland Merchantmen are daily sent into the River by General Blake, Vice-admiral Pen, and Sr George Askew, to the great encouragement of English Mariners, those Merchant's Ships having generally good plunder, and being taken with little danger.  
And now a Fleet of French falls likewise into the hands of the Engliish, which as they were going to relieve Dunkirk, are spied by the English, and being pursued, are most of them taken. The names of them were, The Triton with 31 Guns, the Shepherd 29 Guns, the Gift of God 30 Guns, the Duchess 22 Guns, the Crescent 26 Guns, the Hunter 22 Guns, the St Lewis 28 Guns, a small Frigate of 8 Guns, and 6 Fireships. The taking of this Fleet making the French in Dunkirk despair of relief, caused the rendition both of it and Gravelling, to the Spaniard.  
And now on the 28 of September happened that notable fight between the English and Dutch, commonly called the Kentish Knock. General Blake having discovered a Fleet of Hollanders, consisting of about sixty Sail (on the backside of the Goodwin Sands) under the Command of Admiral Dewit, makes towards them, and engages them; but the Dutch having placed themselves under the Sand called the Kentish Knock, to hinder the English from coming to the Weathergage, they endeavouring to do it had like to have endamaged themselves: for the Admiral, the Royal Sovereign, the Resolution, and the St Andrew, and others struck on the Sands, but getting off again without any harm, fell afresh to the work, till night parted them. Next Morning September 29 the Dutch Fleet was seen two Leagues North-east off the English, who made after them all the forenoon with that little wind there was, but the wind coming to North and by West, they could not get up to them; yet some of the best Frigates were commanded to bear as near the Dutch as they could, and keep them in play till the rest came up. About three a Clock they got within shot of the Dutch Fleet, who fearing that by degrees the English would get within them, set up their main Sails and ran for it, whom ten Frigates had in chase till six a Clock; the next day the whole Fleet pursued the Dutch into their very harbours. In this sight the Hollander had five Ships disabled, among which the Rearadmirall was one, whose Captain and men the English took out of her, but left her floating on the sea. The English lost not above forty men.  
But in the mean time the Hollanders get the better of a squadron of our Ships in the Straits, where they were eleven to four, they take the Phoenix, an English Ship of 45 Guns, which the English retake afterwards by a stratagem.  
The Danish Ambassador who was come over just at the beginning of the breach between the two Commonwealths, the wound now beginning to fester, is recalled by his Master; who was forced to temporize with the Hollanders, and who to that effect detains 22 English Merchants Ships which were coming from the Eastland; and notwithstanding all fair treaties, would not be persuaded to let the Ships go, but took out the Goods and sold them.  
The Hollanders now prepare to be revenged of those rubs they had received from the English, and to that intent appear on the 20th of December on the backside of the Goodwin with 90 Men of War and 10 Fireships; the English were 42 sail in the Downs, yet for all their small number resolve to fight them, though it proved to their loss; for the Garland and Bonadventure besides two Merchant's Ships were taken, General Blake himself was endangered, and the Vanguard and Victory scarce got off clear. This loss made General Blake retreat into Lee Road, so that the Dutch bragged of us (as we before had done of them,) that they had pursued us unto our Harbours.  
The Parliament however provide to revenge this loss, and to that effect order fit encouragement to the Mariners; That their pay instead of 18, should be 23 per mensem. That for every Prize they shall take, they have 10 for every Tunburthen, and 6 13 4d for every Piece of Ordinance, to be equally distributed, besides the rifling of all above the Gun deck. That they shall have 10 a Gun for every Man of War they shall sink or destroy by fire, etc. That they which will come in to serve voluntarily shall have a months pay gratis. Care was likewise taken for Provisions for sick and wounded men aboard and Maintenance ashore.  
These encouragements made the Seamen venture more willingly, so that about the middle of February the English had a gallant Fleet of Ships at Sea, which the 18th day discovered the Dutch Fleet, in number about 80 Men of War, with about 150 Merchant men from Rouen, Nants and Bourdeaux, between Portland and the Isle of Wight. About eight in the morning, General Blake and General Deane in the Triumph, with three or four of the headmost Ships of the English Fleet, endured the brunt with near 30 of the Dutch men of War till two or three of the Clock, when half the English Fleet came up, who continued the fight till night. The English in this days service had the Samson (a Flemish Prize) disabled, the Men they afterwards took out and sunk the Ship themselves; the Dutch had one Ship sunk.  
Feb. 19 The Dutch steering on their course, the English made towards them, brought some of their Ships by the Lee and destroyed them.  
Feb. 20. The two Fleets engaged, and the dispute continued very hot for near five or six hours, till at last the Dutch begun to fire out of their sternmost Ports, and fly away; so the English gave them a chase, took fifty of their Merchants, and nine men of War. The slaughter was great on both sides, though greater on the Dutch then English.  
Whilst the Dutch are thus beaten in the Channel, they give us a blow before the Port of Livorne, where the Leopard, Peregrine, and Levant Merchant are taken by them, the Sampson fired, and the Bonadventure blown up; Captain Badiley who lay out at Sea during this fight with twelve Ships, not being able or willing to come to their assistance.  
In the mean time arrives an extraordinary Ambassador from the King of Portugal to the Parliament, which after many addresses, treaties, and conferences is concluded, upon obligation to satisfy the English Merchants losses.  
From France there comes two Agents, one from the King of France, desired release of those Ships taken before Dunkirk; as also that there might be a right understanding between the two Nations. The other from the Prince of Conde, craving aid against the Cardinal and his faction, who had strongly besieged Bourdeaux; but they both proved ineffectual.  
And now happened a very strange alteration in the Scene of affairs in England. Cromwell whose ambition was now ripe, and who knew that now he might take a very fit opportunity to usurp that power he had so long gaped for; the people of these Nations being weary of the actions of this Parliament, and their dilatory proceed and apparent intentions of perpetuating themselves; and he perceiving that as the people were weary of them, so they would be would be willing to be rid of them: On the 20 of April 1653. enters the Parliament house, attended by some of his principal Officers, where he delivered several reasons why that Parliament should be dissolved, and a period put to its sitting, which was immediately done. The Speaker with the rest of the Members, (some by force, some through fear, and some through murmuring) departing the house, all the Nation rejoicing, and scarce a man grieved for their dissolution, but themselves; it being generally believed, that though the Nation might not be bettered by this change, yet worse could not befall it.  
But to satisfy the wiser sort of people, General Cromwell and his Counsel of Officers publish a very large and specious Declaration, showing the reasons of his dissolving this Parliament; in that they regarded not the Nations good, or proceeded to the establishment of a Commonwealth as they pretended, but only to an arbitrary perpetuation of their power; and that therefore some other means must be sought for the establishment of such a Government, as might suit with the Liberties and Privileges of the people.  
Thus that part of the Parliament who had cut off their King and Master's head; and usurped an authority over these Nations, is turned out of doors by their servant Oliver Cromwell, and their power wholly taken into his own hands; which how he executed and improved to his own advantage, in the next part shall be declared.   

FLORUS ANGLICUS, OR THE Government of England UNDER Oliver Lord Protector, from the Year 1653, to 1658. PART II.  
THe Parliament, or at least that part of the House of Commons which then sat, being dissolved, and their power wholly devolved into the hands of their aspiring General Cromwell, (their Dissolution being willingly assented to, by most of their principal Officers both by Sea and Land) he had now nothing to do, but to give notice to the Magistrates of the Civil and Capital Laws, to go on in the prosecution of their duties (the generality of the people being very well satisfied;) to which effect this ensuing Declaration was published  
Whereas the Parliament being dissolved persons of approved fidelity and honesty, are (according to the late Declaration of the 22 of April last) to be called from the several parts of this Commonwealth to the supreme Authority; and although effectual proceed are and have been had for perfecting those resolutions, yet some convenient time being required for the assembling those persons, it hath been found necessary for the preventing the mischiefs and inconveniences, which may arise in the mean while to the public affairs, that a Counsel of State be constittuted to take care of, and intent the peace, safety, and present management of the affairs of this Commonwealth; which being settled accordingly, the fame is hereby declared and published, to the end all persons may take notice hereof, and in their several places and stations demean themselves peaceably, giving obedience to the Laws of the Nation as heretofore, and in the exercise and administration whereof, as endeavours shall be used, that no oppression or wrong be done to the people; so a strict account will be required of all such, as shall do any thing to endanger the public peace and quiet upon any pretence whatsoever.  
O. Cromwell.  
The Dutch (however the English Nation seemed generally satisfied) yet hoped that such distractions might advance their cause and interest, arising from this sudden alteration and change of the State of affairs in England (imagining Chimaeras in fancies, and building Castles in the Air, with vain hopes that these confusions at Land, would hinder all preparations at Sea to oppose them; so having manned out a high and mighty Fleet, they begun to play the Rex.  
And first having ready in their habours, a numerous Fleet of Merchantmen, bound for France, Spain, Italy, the Levant, and East-Indies, they with a Fleet of 90 Sail of men of War, undertake to convoy and secure them from all English surprisals; yet notwithstanding their force, they dare not venture to conduct them through St George's Channel, his Cross having so oft proved bloody to them there, but choose rather to steer their course round the North of Scotland, which way though it was far more long and tedious, yet was as much more safe and secure.  
Trump having happily according to his Commission left these Merchantmen out of all suspicion of danger, tacks about, and bends his course to the Sound, from whence he convoys home a great Fleet of Eastland-Merchant-men, from Russia, Denmark, Dantzicke, and other Ports of the Baltic Ocean; and in his voyage he meets with another Fleet of Hollanders coming from France, which being joined to him, he enters with a great deal of bravery into the Ports of Holland and Zealand, his Fleet in the whole consisting of between 3 and 400 Sail of Ships.  
The Flemings puffed up with this happy success, and understanding that the English Fleet was gone Northward, thought to do some noble exploit on the English in their absence. Having therefore hoist Sail, they stand over for the Downs; and on the 25 of May ranged themselves in Dover-road with 108 Ships, where finding but three small Ships, (a poor prize for so great a Navy) they began to wreak their malice upon the Town, by beating some Tiles off from the tops of the houses with their great Shot, wherein they manifested far more folly than valour.  
From thence they stood off towards the North, out of a pretence to seek for the English Fleet, which they boasted they must send Hue and Cry after, but they met them sooner than they expected; for the English Fleet being returned Southwards, and Anchoring three Leagues off the South-head of Gober, early in the morning on the third of June espied two Dutch Galliots, which being chased by two English Frigates, brought them within ken of their whole Fleet; upon which the two Frigates giving the usual and appointed tokens, the whole Fleet made Sail with what possible speed they could to engage the Dutch; but the wind being scarce, it was near twelve a Clock before they could reach them with their Shot.  
This first day's dispute was very hot on both sides, and so continued till night parted them, though little harm was done to the English, but only the loss of General Dean, who was slain in the beginning of the encounter, with a Cannon shot from one of the enemy's Rearadmirals', as it was supposed.  
The second day though it were late before the Fleets could join, yet the dispute proved very hot and bloody. Van Trump had at first got the advantage of that little wind was stirring, and brought up his Fleet in very good order, thinking to charge through and through the English, but his design failed; for the wind rearing about to the Westerly, the English Generals Blake and Monk, fell in so furiously amongst the thickest of the Dutch Fleet, that they soon forced them to retire; and their thunderings of Shot still continuing, the  not able to abide it, tacked about, and with all the Sail they could make, ran towards their own Coasts. But the English in respect of those dangerous flats, thought it not safe to pursue them too far, but only sent some light Frigates to discover their course.  
In this encounter there was no certain account could be given of the Dutch that were slain; but there were taken prisoners 6 Captains; 1350 common-Seamen and others; 11 men of War taken; 6 sunk. Of the English, Gnerall Dean slain; 1 Captain killed; 120 Seamen slain; and 236 wounded: But in all this desperate Batrell not one Ship lost or disabled.  
The Dutch Fleet by the opportunity and advantage of the night, got into the Wielings; the Vley, and the texel, to recruit their men, and repair their losses which were so great; but the loss on the English side being so inconsiderable, they resolved to keep the Sea, and having mended their torn and tottered rigging, they call a Counsel of War, where it was agreed on, that the whole: Fleet should make what hast they could towards the Weiling, and by ranging up and down the Coast, block up the Dutch in their habours, which they did for a good space of time, taking prizes at pleasure, and not permitting the Dutch whose Fleet was separated into several harbours, to join or be in a capacity to make any resistance; so that the Dutch (having now the English Fleet constantly in sight, though against their wills) need not be put to any further trouble of making a Hue and Cry after them. But let us leave the Hollanders thus blocked up, and return to our Scepter-aspiring Cromwell in England.  
Who having finished his Consultations with his Counsel of Officers, about choosing those persons into whose hands he intended to put the Legislative power of the Nation, sends out his Warrants to those persons (so by him chosen) (whom he will have styled a Parliament, though they amounted not to above 140 persons for the three Nations) to appear at the Counsel-chamber in Whitehall on the 4th of July 1653. where they being accordingly convened, General Cromwell attended by several Officers of the Army, makes them a short speech, which being ended, he delivers them a Writing under his hand and Seal, impowring them to be the supreme legislative Authority of the three Nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland, with all the Territories thereto belonging; and that any forty of them should be a Quorum sufficient to dispatch any public business, make Laws, raise Moneys, and order the affairs of Peace and War as they should think fit; only their sitting was limited to the third of November 1654., and three Months before their dissolution, they were to make choice of others to succeed in their room. So Cromwell having canted out a prayer that God would bless them and their Counsels, dismissed them.  
From thence they retired to the old  at Westminster, where having chose Mr Rouse Speaker, they began to debate what they should call themselves, a Parliament, or something else; but at last it was resolved in the affirmative (by what law or reason few canguess) that all addresses should be made to them as to a Parliament.  
But it is very like many (if not most) of this pact Parliament knew very well for what end and purpose they were called, viz. to make way for Cromwel's future greatness; and though perhaps these were the fewer part, yet be plainly endeavoured to hedge in the greater by fomenting those differences among them, which his earnest pressing them to take the Tithes and Universities into consideration, caused.  
About this time John Lilburn, who for his factious spirit had long lain in prison, and was at last banished by the long Parliament, upon occasion of this change of Government, came into England, and cast himself upon the Lord General Cromwell for protection; but he knowing his turbulent temper, refused to intermeddle, but left him to the Law, so being committed to Newgate, he was brought to his trial in the Old Bailie, where notwithstanding the endeavours of his adversaries, he so strongly pleaded his cause, that the Jury brought him in not guilty. But however his spirit be very well known, and that he would still be carping at whatever Government should be established, he was still kept prisoner first in the Tower, and after in Dover-Castle, where Trandling according to the madness of his brain, from one opinion to another he at length fell into Quakerism, in which heresy he died.  
But let us look a little into Scotland, where though the English had got possession of most of the Forts, Garrisons, and strong holds, in the Lowlands, yet the High-landers from their craggy Cliffs made many incursions into the Country, committing many Murders, Robberies, and Outrages upon both people and Soldiers; forth with again betaking themselves to their inaccessible fastnesses, whither our Soldiers not knowing the Country nor Passes, could not tell how to pursued them, and they increasing daily into great numbers, headed by Glencarne, Athol, Seafort, and others. The Lord Seafort having surprised seven or eight men, that came ashore to seek provisions from aboard the Fortune Frigate, who layar Anchor at Lew is Island, was so vain as to send his Summons to the Ship, requiring it to surrender, but it proved as could not be otherwise expected, ineffectual.  
The condition of Ireland was the same with that of Scotland, all the strong holds and fortresses being reduced to the English yoke, nor any opposition made, but what the excursions of some Tories (who lurked in Woods and Fastnesses, and did much damage to the Country people and travellers on the Road) produced.  
The Hollanders perceiving their force too weak to resist the English strength, send over four Commissioners, viz. Monsieur Bevering, Newport, Youngstall, and Vanderpave, (who died soon aftet his arrival here) to renew again the Treaty. Though three remaining Commissioners pursued their negotiations very close, yet the Treaty produced at that present neither cessation or intermission of Arms, but both parties prepared for War, and had during the Treaty a most remarkable Fight, which happened thus.  
On the 29th of July the English Scouts discovered a Dutch Fleet from the Weiling, consisting of about 95 men of War, (which Fleet Van Trump had all that while been preparing with indefatigable labour to beat the English from his Country's harbours; and to encourage and add resolution to his Seamen, had made proclamation, That all the men of War taken from the English should be the Mariners, with a considerable Sum of Money to whomever should take the Admirals or vice-admirals' Flag. The English Scouts having espied them gave notice to the Fleet, who made what Sail they could possibly towards them, which the Dutch discerning, stood away, and the English after them, but the wind being scarce, came not into Shot till six a Clock, when thirty light Frigates engaged them, but little was done this day, in regard the night parted them.  
The Dutch all night stood into the texel, where there joined with them 25 stout men of War more, so that now they made 120 in all. With this Fleet Van Trump the next morning by break of day faced the English Fleet: But the General's Blake and Monk, finding the wind somewhat high and the weather thick and cloudy, fearing the Sands or a Lee shore more than all the Dutch force, stood off to Sea, which made the Dutch suppose a flight; so that one of Trumpets Captains urged him to pursue them, telling him, that those dogs durst not abide one broad side from his Excellency; that he might clearly see they ran away for fear, and that he should not lose so fair an opportunity. But generous Van Trump who knew the English better, returned the Captain this modest answer: Sr be you careful to look to your charge, and trouble your head no further, for if the English were but 10 Sail, I am sure they would fight us, and so indeed it happened; for the weather clearing up, and the wind laying, they drew up their Fleet into a body, and tacked about to meet the Enemy, who being likewise in a posture, they presently engaged. The Fight was courageously maintained on both sides, from between five and six in the morning, till one in the afternoon, both Fleets charging valiantly one through the other; till at length (the Dutch Admiral Van Trump, fight in the midst of the English Fleet with a great deal of courage and resolution, was by a Musket Bullet shot on the left Pap near the heart, and slain outright.) The Dutch began to decline, many of their Ships being likewise fired or sunk; and the amazement for their General's death possessing the whole Navy, they hoist up all the Sail possibly they could, and made away directly for the texel; and the English besides the damage many of their Ships had received, were loath to be too hold on that shore, so they pursued them no farther, but steered their course to Sole buy, that they might there dispose of the prisoners, and mend their tottered Sails and Rigging.  
The English in this Fight had 8 Captains slain outright, viz. Graves, Chapvian, Taylor, Newman, Crispe, Owen, Cox, and Peacock; and 400 common Seamen; they had likewise 700 men wounded, of which 5 Captains, viz. Stoakes, Seaman, Rouse, Hollander, and Cabit; they lost but one Ship, viz. the Oak which was burnt by a Fireship, and had two or three more disabled. As for the loss the Dutch received, in relation to those slain or wounded, was uncertain; but their visible loss was 30 men of War sunk or fired, 6 Captains, and about a 1000 prisoners taken; but their greatest loss and indeed the loss of all was the loss of their Renowned General Van Trump, who had the hard fortune to be always beaten by the English; yet could not his judgement be at all taxed, nor his fame eclipsed, which formerly he had so deservedly gotten, to be esteemed one of the ablest and best understanding Sea-Captains in the world.  
For this ominent piece of Service, Cromwel's pact Parliament ordered that Chains of gold should be presented to the Admiral's Blake and Monk, Vice-admiral Pen, and rear-admiral Lawson; other Chains were likewise presented to other Flag-Captains; and Medals of silver to the Officers of the Fleet, in token of their good service.  
But whilst our Fleets are thus victorious abroad, discontents are broached at home, by reason the Parliament had now sat near six Months, and effected nothing for the good and settlement of the Nation; having indeed done nothing at all but made that Act concerning Marriages, out of mere envy and despite to the Clergy. So beginning at first to lop off a branch of the Ministers maintenance, that they might afterwards cut down the Tree. Concerning Tithes it is debated in the House what saw fit to be done, and a Committee appointed to onsider of so weighty a business, who being fully convinced in a full hearing by arguments, and reasons drawn both from the Laws of God and man, of the legality of it, make report to the House in the affirmative for Tithes; which so exasperated those who were of the contrary faction, that they begin clearly to argue against the Ministerial Function, urging it to be burdensome to the people, and by that strange consequence Antichristian. There were near 60 of the Members of this opinion, which the rest (though the major part, fearing would undermine them, by laying hold of some opportunity to assemble themselves together, and by any forty of them being a Quorum, accomplish their designs) resolve to dissolve their House themselves; which motion being made by a Member on the 12th of December, was readily assented to, and so the Speaker and several others adjourned to Whitehall, and redelivered their Instrument of Government into the hands of Oliver Cromwell, from whom they had received it.  
This Parliament having thus by writings under their hands resigned again the power given them, the whole Authority both Civil and Military of these three Nations, was by this resignation strangely understood to be devolved into the hands of Oliver Cromwell. Whereupon he calls a Counsel of Officers, who having some others joined with them to consult of the settlement of a Government, at length after much seeking of God (where I leave the Reader to judge of the rabble of hypocritical canting that was blabbered out) they concluded to have a Commonwealth in a single Person: That that Person should be Oliver Cromwell, Captain General of all the Forces in England, Scotland, and Ireland: That his Title should be, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging: That he should have a Counsel of one and twenty persons to be assistant with him in the Government: That an Instrument should be framed, containing the Basis and foundation of this new established Government, the chief Heads of which were these,  

1. That the Protector should call a Parliament every three years.  
2. That the first Parliament should be convened on the third of September 1654.  
3. That he should not dissolve any Parliament till it had sat five Monoths.  
4. That such-Bills as they offered to him, he not passing them in twenty days, should pass without him.  
5. That he should have a select Counsel (of men faithful to his interest) not exceeding one and twenty, nor under thirteen.  
6. That the Protectorship should not be hereditary.  
7. That immediately after his death the Counsel should choose another Protector before they risen.  
8. That no Protector after him should be General of the Army.  
9 That in the intervals of Parliament, he with consent of his Counsel might make Laws which should be binding to the Subject, till the next Sessions of Parliament.   
Oliver Cromwell now made Lord Protector, who had taken so many Oaths and Covenants before, is to swear afresh, which was performed on the 16th of December 1653 with a great deal of State, in the Chancery-Court in Westminster-Hall, before the Judges, Mayor, and Aldermen of London, with the chief Officers of the Natron, where in the presence of God he promised upon Oath, not to violate or infringe the matters and things contained in the aforementioned Instrument, but to observe and cause the same to be observed, and in all things to the best of his understanding, govern the Nations according to the Laws, Statutes, and Customs, seeking peace, causing justice and Law to be equally administered.  
Presently after the Administration of this Oath, the following Proclamation was by Order of the Counsel, published throughout all the Territories and Dominions of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, viz.  
Whereas the late Parliament dissolved themselves, and resigning their whole powers and Authorities, the Government of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, by a Lord Protector and successive triennial Parliaments is now established. And whereas Oliver Cromwell Captain General of all the Forces of this Commonwealth, is declared Lord Protector of the said Nations, and hath accepted thereof, We have therefore thought it necessary (as we do hereby) to make publication of the premises, and strictly to charge and command all and every person and persons, of what quality and condition soever in any of the said three Nations, to take notice hereof, and to conform and submit themselves to the Government so established. And all Sheriffs, Mayors, Bailiffs, etc. are required to publish this Proclamation, to the end none may have cause to pretend ignorance in this behalf.  
This Proclamation was first of all proclaimed by a Sergeant at Arms in the Palace-yard Westminster, and by the Lord Major, Sheriffs and Aldermen of London at the Royal Exchange, and afterwards throughout all England, Scotland and Ireland.  
The City of London to show their willing concurrence to this great Change, invite the Protector to a Dinner at Grocers-Hall, whither he is attended with a great deal of magnificence, and received with as much pomp and splendour as possibly could be. There he first first makes use of the Power given him, in giving Titles of Honour, by dubbing of Sr Thomas Viner then Lord Major of London Knight.  
And now out of imaginary fears of danger, the better to secure his state, a seeming Plot is found out, some Cavaliers are sent to the Tower, and the others warned from London upon it; but the Protector to show his clemency at his first entrance into the Government, after some small time of durance, releases again those who were imprisoned in the Tower.  
The King of Scots being now come into France, was there honourably received by the Court where he took up his residence, at which time there were many discontents of the Princes of the blood, against the aspiring ambition of Cardinal Mazarine, in so much that it had like to have come to a civil war. To compose which difference, the King of Scots offered to mediate in order to a reconciliation, wherein he so fare prevailed, that he procured a Conference between Deputies on both sides; to whom, although he urged his own condition as an argument for the French King to compose the difference in love rather than to to stand it out; all which proving ineffectual, both sides betake themselves to arms; the Treaty not succeeding; caused him to lie under the displeasure of the Cardinal.  
The Scots in the Highlands under the command of Glencarne and Kenmore, by Commission from the King, rally and rise to a considerable body of near 4000 Horse and Foot, hoping they might once more fairly dispute their quarcell in field; but Major General Morgan with 1500 Horse and Foot coming upon them at their Rendesvouz, before they could get into any good order, killed near 200 on the place, took most of the rest Prisoners, Glencarne himself hardly escaping with about 40 Horse.  
The three Agents from Holland having been here all this while, and little or nothing agree on for the ratification of a Peace between the two States, two of them went over to receive fuller power from the Lords States (as was pretended) but it was rather suspected that it was to fetch Money, which was the only bait by which the Protector could be won to an accord, for at their return the Peace was suddenly clapped up, and by a large Proclamation annexed to the Articles (showing the reason's of the Peace, which would so much (as was pretended) redound to the good of the Nation, though no understanding Englishman but might guess at the inconveniencies of it) proclaimed on the 5th of April at London, and after in other parts of England.  
And now another Plot succeeds the last, the chief designers are pretended to be Gilbert and John Gerrard Esquires brothers, one Jones an Apotheeary, Tewdor, Fox and Vowel; the design was to have slain the Protector, raised an Army, and brought in the King; but how no man ever knew, (however these feigned Plots, or at least Plots first contrived by themselves, are good seturers of Tyrants and usurpers; for hereby they fright men from real designments,) the plotters are sent to the Tower, and a High Court of Justice is erected for their trial, Gerrard and Vowel are condemned to be hanged, the rest are saved; Vowel according to sentence was hanged at Charing-cross, but Coll. Gerrard upon Petition had the favour to be beheaded at Tower-hill, where he behaved himself so gallantly, and looked death so unappalledly in the face, that his very enemies were forced to admire his courage and constancy.  
At the very same time Don Pantaleon Sa Brother to the Lord Ambassador of Portugal, was beheaded on the same scaffold, for having committed a ridiculous Riot on the New Exchange, where (followed by a crew of mad fellows, Servants, and Lackeys to his Brother or himself) he shot a Gentleman that was there walking, in the head, and had done further mischief, had not the noble Coll. Gerrard (who was for an other cause beheaded before him) stopped their fury, and with his Rapier drove them before him down stairs: This Portugal came with so great fear to the block, that many deemed his life was gone before the blow with the Axe was given.  
The King of Scots being still in France, and finding notwithstanding his own and his Mother's endeavours, that the Treaty with France and England was vigorously solicited by Monsieur Newfvill: Seeing that by necessary consequence the Peace being concluded, he and his party must be enforced to leave France, thought it a great deal better and more honourable, voluntarily to desert that Kingdom, then to stay till he were forced out by compliment: so he with his Brother the Duke of York, his Cousin's Prince Rupert and Edward, retired themselves to Chatillon a house of the Prince of Conde's, from whence not long after the King and Prince Rupert went into Germany.  
But now Glencarne reenforced by hopes of middleton's coming out of Holland with supplies of Money and Ammunition, gins to stir again in the Highlands, exhorting his Countrymen to gain themselves immortal fame, by redeeming themselves and their posterity from the slavery and bondage they now lay under, filling their ears with those vast supplies which Middleton was to bring out of the Netherlands. At length Middleton arrives, and amongst other things brings a Commission for himself to be Commander in Chief, and Monroe Lieutenant General. But Glencarne looks upon this as a very high affront, that he should take the pains to raise an Army, and others be appointed to command over it; that he was a Soldier, and equally fit to command with the best, and therefore could not comport this affront done to his honour. Middleton endeavours to reconcile these differences, but in vain, Clencarne disdaining to condescend lower than to be Lieutenant General, which neither Middleton nor Monroe would yield to; whereupon Glencarne challengeth his adversary to a single Duel, where Fortune favouring him, he wounds and disarms Monroe, and presently after with near 506 Gentlemen deserts Middleton, and makes his composition with the Governor of Dunbarton.  
However Middleton prosecutes his designs as well as he can; General Monk is sent against him, with Commission to be General of the Forces in Scotland; he hearing of these dissensions, delays marching towards them till he see the event, which happening as before, he advances towards Middleton, engages him at Loughgerry, Routs him and forces this stubborn General to fly back again into Holland.  
And here I cannot omit a passage which may sufficiently vindicate the King's Majesty of Scotland from those aspersions of Popery laid against him. After the King's departure out of France into Germany, the young Duke of Gloucester, was placed by the Queen-Mother in a Jesuits College, to be instructed in the Roman Catholic Religion, which his Brother the King hearing of, sent speedy order to have him brought to him; which being obeyed, as he was departing Paris with the Marquis of Ormond, the Queen desired only that he would stay and take a dinner in the College before he went; to which he answered, That though she were his Mother, yet he ought rather to give obedience to his Brother who was his King. This denial so angered the Queen, that she permitted him not to take leave of her; and after when the King sent a Letter to excuse the business, she in fury burnt it; which circumstances may sufficiently evidence, that the King is still truly Protestant.  
In the mean time our new Lord Protector, according to his Oath taken in the Instrument for Government, summons his Parliament on the 3d of September 1654., which being assembled, the day before their Sessions, the Protector meets them in the Painted Chamber; where he only desires them to accompany him to hear a Sermon in Westminster Abbey, and that afterwards he would impart his sense to them. About nine of the Clock his Highness went from Whitehall to the Abbey, attended by his ordinary Guard and some of his Counsel bare, the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal and of the Treasury, following in their Coaches, he going likewise in his Coach accompanied by Lambert and his Son Henry; here they stayed whilst Dr Goodwin finished his Sermon, after which retiring into the Painted Chamber, he was followed by the Parliament, to whom he made a formal Speech much to this effect;  
That that Parliament was such a Congregation of wise, prudent and discreet persons that England had scarce seen the like, and that it would have been very necessary and worthy such an Assembly, to give a relation of the series of God's Providences all along to these very times; but that being very well known to them, he should at present omit it, and proceed to the declaring how the Erection of this present Power was a suitable providence with the rest, by showing them what a condition these Nations were in at its erection; every man's heart was then against another, every man's interest divided against another's, and almost every thing grown arbitrary: That there was grown up a general contempt of God and Christ, the grace of God turned into wantonness, and his Spirit made a cloak for all wickedness and profaneness; nay the axe was even laid to the root of the Ministry, and swarms of Jesuits were continually wafted over hither to consume and destroy the welfare of England: That the Nation was likewise then engaged in a deep war with Portugal, Holland and France, so that the whole Nation was in a heap of confusion: but that this Government was calculated for the people's interest (let malignant spirits say what they would) and that with humbleness toward God and modesty towards them, he would recount somewhat in behalf of this Government. For first it had endeavoured to reform the Law: it had put into the seat of Justice men of known integrity and ability; it had settled a way for probation of Ministers to preach the Gospel; and besides all this, it had called a Free Parliament (blessed be God they that day saw a Free Parliament.) As for the Wars a Peace was with Sweden, Denmark, the Durch and Portugal, and one was likewise near concluding with France. That these things were but entrances and doors of hope, but now he made no question to enable them to lay the top stone of this work; he recommended to them this Maxim, That Peace though it be made, is not to be trusted further than it consists with interest. That the great work now lay upon this Parliament, was that the Government of Ireland might be settled in terms of Honour; That they would avoid confusions, lest foreign States should take advantage by them: That as for himself he did not speak like one that would be a Lord over them, but as one that would be a fellow-Servant to them in this great affair. So to conclude; he desired them to repair to their House, and use their liberty in choosing a Speaker.  
The Protectors speech finished, the Members immediately repair to their House, and there choose William Lenthall Esquire Master of the Rolls to be their Speaker, which done they begin upon the Instrument for Government. The Question is in the first place proposed, Whether the Legislative power should be in a single person and a Parliament? The Protectorians endeavour by all means possible to persuade that it should be no Question, but be carried absolutely in the affirmative. This is as strongly opposed by the greater part of the House; and amongst the rest a Member who had all along strongly opposed Monarchy, as incongruous to his interest, stood up and told them, That they could not but discern the snares that were laid to entrap the privileges of the people; for his own part he declared that as God had made him instrument all in cutting down Tyranny in one person, so now he could not endure to see the Nations liberties shackled by another, whose right to the Government could be measured out no other ways then by the length of his Sword, which was only that which emboldened him to command his Commanders. Many speeches were made confirming what he had said, and in direct opposition to a single person.  
These debates and divisions upon the Protectors instrument were soon carried to his ear; and therefore (he fearing that in the end they would produce irreconcilable jars) resolved to remedy them in time, and to put the Parliament into a posture more complacent to his designs if possible; he goes therefore by water from Whitehall to Westminster, enters the Painted Chamber, and sends for those Members of Parliament which were then sitting, to whom he declared.  
That the God of heaven knew what great grief and sorrow of heart it was to him, to find them falling into heats and divisions: That he would have them take notice of this, that the same Government made him a Protector whech made him a Parliament: That as they were entrusted with some things, so was he with others: That in the Government there were certain Fundamentals, which could not be altered: As,  
1. That the Government should be in a single person and a Parliament.  
2. That Parliaments should not be perpetnall.  
3. That the Militia should not be trusted into one hand or power, but so that the Parliament have a check on the Protector, and the Protector on the Parliament.  
4. That in matters of Religion there ought to be liberty of Conscience, and that persecution in the Church was not to be tolerated.  
That the rest of the things in the Government were examinable and alterable, as the State of affairs did require: That for his own part his heart was even overwhelmed with grief, to see that any of them should go about to overthrow what was settled, contrary to their trust received from the people, which cannot but bring very great inconveniences upon themselves and the Nation.  
This was the sum of his persuasions to them; but fearing that this would not sufficiently win them to his interest, he provided a recognition to be signed by every individual Member, as followeth.  
I do hereby promise and engage to be true and faithful to the Lord Protector, and the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and shall not (according to the tenor of the Indenture whereby I am returned to serve in Parliament) propose or give my consent to alter the Government, as it is settled in one person and a Parliament.  
This was subscribed by many of the Members, though the major part rather chose to abandon the House; the rest conntinued sitting to the end of the five Months, at which time the Protector seeing their dilatory proceed, and that they delayed the settling him in the Government, the time being expired wherein his Instrument gave him leave (not letting slip one day nor sarce an hour) dissolves them.  
Some time after the time of this Parliaments dissolution, was there a horrible terrible Plot discovered, against his Highness the Lord Protector and his usurped power: The first appearance of its effects was at Salisbury, whither on the 16th of March came a Body of about 200 Cavaliers, and it being then the time of the Assizes there, they took away the Judges Commissions, clapped guards on all the Inns, till they had seized upon all the Horses, than left the Town and marched towards Pool, commanded by their Captains; Wagstaffe, Penruddocke, and Jones.  
Another Party at the same time surprised the Town of Shrewsbury, and endeavoured to have taken the Castle; but being discovered, that design was prevented.  
There was likewse a Party to the number of 800 or a 1000 men got together in Montgomeryshire.  
In Sherwood-Forrest likewise in Nottingamshire, there was a Party gathered together, but frighted with their own shadows, they dispersed; as did likewise two parties which were upon Yorkshire and Northumberland.  
This Plot was said to have been laid all over the Nation, though there were so few appearances, and all those vanished of themselves, except that commanded by Wagstaffe, Penruddocke, and Jones, which being pursued by Colonel Vntoncrooke out of Wiltshire into Devonshire, were by him and John Copleston Esquire Sheriff of Devon totally routed, Penruddocke and Jones taken, and Penruddocke with some others executed. For this service the Protector afterwards dubbed the Sheriff of Devon, and in token of more favour gave him the Sword wherewith he Knighted him.  
About the end of this year 1654., died that famous Antiquary and accomplished Scholar Mr John Selden of the Inner Temple, whose fame was so great in Foreign parts, that many persons of known wisdom and Learning, came over on purpose into England to see and admire him. Nor need any give him any larger Encomium, than the Right Reverend Bishop of Armagh gave him in the Pulpit when he preached his Funeral Sermon, viz. That he esteemed Mr Selden a man of such vast parts and Learning, that he judged himself not worthy to carry his Books after him.  
The Protector had a great while been preparing a mighty Fleet with all necessary provisions for some notable voyage; all the world standing amazed at his preparations, and every one fearing thuir own States, they could not guess whither his design tended. At length those vast preparations produced two mighty Fleets, the one under command of General Blake, was fitted only for the Sea and sent to the straits; The other about two months after was committed to the charge of General Pen, who was to take aboard him a Land Army commanded by General Venables. These Land Forces being about 3000, were divided into the several Ships, which were in number 30 sail of good Ships, but not provided with Provisions necessary for so great an Army, nor so long a voyage; nor indeed could the Commanders provide themselves things fitting, they not knowing whither, nor how fare they were to go.  
The 19th of December 1654., this Fleet set sail for Portsmouth directly for the Barbadoss, where the Generals had order to break open their Commissions, this being the appointed place of Rendesvouz, whether having a fresh gale of wind and fair, they arrived on the 29th of January, and came all to anchor in Carlyle-bay, where presently after they landed their men.  
The sudden departure of these two great Fleets, made the King of Spain (who feared thry were designed against him,) to send an express command to the Marquis of Leda then Governor of Dunkirk, to pass into England in the quality of an extraordinary Ambassador, to see if he could possibly search out the certainty of that grand Court secret: he accordingly being arrived in England, spent several days here, but having no satisfaction in that which he most of all desired, returned back again.  
But to return to our West-India voyage: whilst the Fleet abode at the Barbadoss, the Generals, Colonels and inferior Officers looked diligently after their respective charges; the Shallops brought in quarters out of England are set up; the Cooper's are ordered to trim the Watercaske: two Frigates are sent to St Christopher's and St Mevis to raise Men; the General's striving to complete their Regiments at the Barbadoss, and form Regiments out of the Seamen to serve upon occasion; and at length being in a full readiness, they shipped about 6000 Men, and a Troop of Horse (which the Islanders of Barbadoss had set out at their own charges) and on the 31th of March 1655, set sail from the Barbadoss, and six days after arrived at St Christopher's, where there joined with them 1300 Volunteers, (the Planters servants both here and at the Barbadoss, being ready and willing to go, upon condition that their time should go on, and that they might as well be free by serving the State as their Masters) so though the Fleet were increased by 20 sail of Dutch Merchantmen (which were seized on at the Barbadoss, for trafficking there contrary to the Articles of Peace between the two Nations) yet were all the Ships as full as they could well hold, though there were hardly Provisions (the chance supposed which might in probability retard the voyage considered) for half the number that was aboard; but as they were, they set sail from thence, and steered their course directly for Hispaniola, whither on the 13th of April the whole Navy arrived, and came within sight of Sto Domingo, upon which place their first and chief enterprise was designed: Being here a general Counsel of War was called, and by their whole votes it was agreed, that General Venables should land with his Forces: and he accordingly the next day lands 7000 Foot, a Troop of Horse, and three days Provision about ten or twelve leagues to the westward of the Town. The Soldiers were half out of their wits, with consideration of the great mountains of Gold which they expected to find in the Town, insomuch that every man encouraged his fellow with hopes of being made for ever; there seemed such an universal courage over the whole Army (though more out of the hopes of an imaginary gain then true valour) that without doubt had not those hopes been quelled, there might have been almost a certainty of victory presupposed. But the General (I know not whether according to his Instructions, or the desire he had to engross the whole spoil to himself, or at least get it into his own hands) finding their designs and intentions, immediately causes Proclamation to be made, that upon the taking of Sto Domingo, (which he might perhaps have had had this Proclamation been kept in) no man should presume to plunder either Money, Plate or Jewels, or take or kill any tame Cattles whatsoever, upon pain of death. This without doabt was in great part the ruin of the business; for had the Soldiers had but the hopes of so great a gain as they promised themselves, they would have undergone those dangers and straits which so much weakened them, with thrice the courage they went, and without that vexation of spirit for an imaginary loss, which destroys a man more than the pain and travel of his body; however their straits were great, for they passed through almost unpassable Woods, through which they were forced to cut their way, and where they found not a drop of fresh Water, so that what with the heat of the Sun, which was excessive and pierced their very brains, and the Drought which that heat caused, together with their discontent of mind, (and we know sorrow is likewise dry) they were most of them grown faint, and disabled for service.  
Having marched thus two days and half, and with much difficulty passed those Woods, (though without any opposition but what those Woods themselves, the heat of the Sun, and want of fresh Water made) they at length joined with Colonel Bullards Brigade, consisting of three Regiments of Foot, (which Admiral Pen bade landed on the side of a Bay, about two Leagues from the Town, where likewise a freshwater River disburdened itself, and which was the appointed place for conjunction of the whole Body, which consisted now of 9000 or 10000 men, though most fainting, scarce able to walk much less fight for nothing; but the Army being thus conjoined, they make what speed to march on, not doubting but to possess the Town on the sudden. There first advances a forlorn hopes of about 500 men, commanded by Captain Cox the chief guide for the place, after whom followed the main Body of the Army. Being thus come within four Miles of the Town, the Spaniards with a small Party of Horse suddenly encounter the forlorn hopes, and in an instant routed them, forcing them through the next Regiment, which they likewise put to flight, and had pursued their victory to the slaughter of most of them, had not the whole Army come up to their relief. Whereupon the Spaniards in very good order and without any considerable loss, retired to a Fort close by the Woods; but there were near 50 of the English slain, besides Captain Cox chief guide (as I said before) for the place.  
The General having received this loss, and finding that the chief reason of his men's weakness was want of Water, retreats back again to the River before spoken of, resolving that he would having refreshed his men, carry on his design against all resistance; and to that effect causes scaling Ladders to be made, and two small Drakes with a Mortar-peece and Granado-shells to be landed from the Fleet, which were to be convoyed by Water, near the Town. And so being in readiness they once more advance towards the Town, some guides having undertaken to lead them by a private way, without danger of the Fort; but missing the intended way, they fell again into the same path, and into worse disgrace than they had formerly received; for the Spaniards having certain advice by the Negroes and Molattoes of the English March, resolved to entertain them in their passage, and according as they had resolved it so they performed it. For on the 25th of April 1655, the whole Army approaching near a Brick Fort (built there by the Spaniards, and defended with nine good pieces of Ordnance, and 300 men) were upon a sudden charged by a Party of the Enemy, which lay undiscovered among the Trees. These resolute fellows though not above 70 in number, having fired a volley of Shot upon the forlorn hopes, flew in upon the English (who were already wearied and almost choked with thirst) with their steel Lances, and that with such fury, that in a moment they routed both them and the General's Regiment, with near half of the Army, who flying back into the Rear, possessed them there with such a panic fear, that every man began to fly and shift for himself, whilst the Spaniards pursued their victory with infinite slaughter, finding no resistance, but what was made by that only in this action valorous Gentleman Major General Haines, who resolved not to stir a step, but fight valourously in the midst of his Enemies, sold his life at no cheap rate. At length the Spaniards weary of killing, retreated with seven English Colours, which they carried with them as sure Trophies of the victory. There were sound dead of the English 600 upon the place, 300 wounded, besides 200 more who flying into the Woods to save themselves, were afterwards knocked on the head by the Molettoes and Negroes.  
Upon this disaster, the Army that night drew up to the Spanish Fort, and planted a Mortar-peece in a convenient place, and all things were in readiness for a battery, when on a sudden the Army was commanded to draw off, and without doing any harm to march to their old Watering place in the Bay. For what intent or by whose counsel this was done, I have not the capacity to guests.  
And now they were come into the Bay there wanted victuals, so that they were forced to go out in Parties to fetch some in, whence many of them came short home, being knocked on the head by the Negroes: Till at last forced by necessity, they were fain to eat the Horses of their own Troop. In this miserable condition they remained some days, till at length a resolution was taken to ship them, which being finished the third of May, the whole Fleet set Sail, and on the 10th arrived in the Port of Jamaica, whither they bent their course from Hispaniola, and though they failed of their first enterprise there, yet here they had better success, for they soon possessed themselves of the chief Town called Oristano, where the Army began to take up their habitation, and to plant. This hath since proved a pretty thriving Island, profitable to the English, and an ill neighbour to the adjacent Spanish Islands.  
Shortly after (but one after the other) the General's Pen and Venables returned into England, whom at their arrival the Protector in thanks for the service they had done, committed to the Tower.  
Thus much concerning this unfortunate voyage: Let us now sweeten it a little with the noble exploit performed by General Blake in the straits, whither he was sent with a gallant Fleet to scour those Seas of Turkish Pirates, which took and destroyed many English Ships, making slaves of their persons. He first seeks for them out at Sea, but missing his aims there, resolves to seek them where they were to be found: And first on the 10th of March arrives at Algiers, where the most considerable both in quantity and quality lurked, be anchored without the Mould; he sends a Messenger to the die, requiring restitution of such English Ships as had been taken by them, and that the Captives be immediately released. The die having provided a large present of Beef and Muttons, and other fresh provisions alive, returns the Messenger with them, and this answer to the General: That the Ships and Captives already taken were of particular men, and therefore it lay not in his power to restore them, without the general discontent of all his Subjects. Yet as for the English Captives that were there, if he pleased to redeem them he should, and he would set a reasonable and indifferent price upon their heads. And that if the General thought good, they would conclude a peace with him; and for the future offer no acts of hostility on their part, to any of the English Ships or Natives. This answer seemed satisfactory to the General, and accordingly the Captives were redeemed, and a peace concluded.  
This business thus dispatched at Algiers, he bends his course for Tunis, where having sent a Summons to the die, he received but a rough compliance, they wholly slighting his desires. And having drawn their Ships under the Castle of Goletta, thought them secure, sending him word; That there were their Castles of the Goletta, and their Ships and Castles of Porto Ferino, that he should do his worst and not think to sear them with his Fleet. This resolute answer exasperated both the General and Seamen, who resolved to be revenged for this insolence. A Counsel of War is called, who conclude on a resolution to burn those nine Ships in Porto Ferino, which they effected thus. Every Ships Boat being manned with stout and resolute Mariners, are sent into the Harbour to assault and fire the Ships, whilst the Admiral, Vice-admiral, and rear-admiral, ply continued broad sides upon the Castle, to hinder it from endamaging their Boats, who after a stout assault fire the Ships, and return back again with the loss of but 25 men, and 48 wounded. This noble action of General Blake resounded to the praise of the English Nation, as far as the Port of the Orand-signor.  
But to digress a little from our Story: About this time happened the Queen Christiana of Swedelands' unparallelled resignation of her Crown and Kingdom, to Carolus Adolphus her Kinsman, being contented from a mighty Princess, to put herself into the condition of a Lady Errand; only these Conditions she would have granted and accorded to by her sucessor.  

1. That she retain a good part of her, Kingdom, and the Custom to herself.  
2. That she will be no Subject, but free of herself without control.  
3. She will travel whither she pleaseth.   
To these the Prince replied;  

1. That he would not be a King without a Kingdom.  
2. That he will have no Rival nor Superior.  
3. That he will not hazard himself about her designs abroad.   
How these Differences in the Proposals were accommodated I know not, but shortly after she resigned up her Kingdom to her Cousin, leaving to herself only the bare title of Queen, but to him both the title of King and possession of a Kingdom. With him the Lord Whitlock who had some time been Ambassador there, soon concluded a firm League both offensive and defensive between these two Nations; the effects of which had been felt to purpose in some parts of Christendom, had Oliver Cromwell lived much longer than he did.  
The horrible massacre which had been committed by the Forces of Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy, upon the poor Protestants in Piedmont: The Protector to show his pious care of his fellow-brethrens, ordered a day of Humiliation to be kept, and great sums of Money raised for their relief, though 'tis highly suspected most of it was otherwise employed.  
And now the Lord Protector to curb the people the better, and secure himself, constitutes a new kind of Officers, called Major Generals of Counties; but in effect the same with Turkish Bassas, he divides England into eleven parcels amongst them. The Names of these Bassas or Major Generals as he called them, and their several parts were as followeth, viz.  
Major Haynes 
For Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk.  Colonel Kelsey 
For Kent and Surrey  Colonel Goffe. 
For Suffex, Hampshire, and Berkshire.  Lieutenant General Fleetwood 
For Oxfordshire, Bucks, Hartford, Cambridge, Isle of Ely, Essex, Norfolk, and Suffolk.  Major General Skippon 
For the City of London.  Commissary General Whaley 
For Lincolnshire, Nottingham, Derby, Warwick, and Leicestershire.  Major Butler 
For Northamptonshire, Bedford, Rutland and Huntingdon.  Colonel Berry 
For Worcester, Hereford, Salop, and North-Wales.  Colonel Wortly 
For Cheshire, Lancashire, and Staffordshire.  Lord Lambert 
For Yorkshire, Durham, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Northumberland.  Colonel Barkestead 
For Westminster and Middlesex.   
The greatest service which these Major Generals did the Protector, was the forcing the Delinquents in their respective Provinces, to pay in the Decimation of their Estates for old offences; which performed, he himself finding these Major Generals to be an eclipse of his glory, reduced them again to their former Stations.  
Another design of the Protectors to raise Money, should have been the introduction of the Jews into England: Here was two hundred thousand pounds to be got, which made the care of the increase of the Church of Christ lie extremely. So he proposes it to several Ministers for their approbation, alleging that since there is a promise for their conversion, means must be used to that end, which is the preaching of the Gospel, and that cannot be had, except they be permitted to reside where the Gospel is preached. But notwithstanding these Arguments, the design was declaimed against both by Clergy and Laity; so the Jews were denied their Readmission, though 'tis supposed the Protector swallowed down some part of that sweet promised morsel.  
The Spaniard having had certain advice of the attempt and repulse of the English at Hispaniola, and their Possession of Jamaica, thought this a sufficient breach of the peace, (though there was never any peace made with him beyond the Line, he always taking those English Ships he could light on and master, though they went to traffic thither) presently makes a seizure of all the English Merchants persons and goods then resident in Spain; so that the War gins to grow hot on both sides the Tropic. The Protector therefore order the Generals Blake and Montague, to block up Cadiz, the chief Port-Town of the King of Spain, and whither his Plate-Fleet used yearly to come. He likewise endeavours a peace with France, (who had had Wars with Spain for a long time) to which the Cardinal Mazarine consenting, it was easily concluded on. The French King being so inhumanely unworthy as (upon Mazarines' instigations) to banish his Majesty the King of Scots, and the rest of the late King's children his nearest relations, out of his Dominions; though indeed he could do no more but forbidden their re-entrance, they being already gone to further the making of a peace with him, who had so unjustly exposed them from their inheritances.  
The English Fleet under Montagues and Blakes Command, had for a good while in a manner besieged Cadiz by Sea, but could by no exasperations be drawn out of their harbour to fight them, the Spaniards thinking it a safer policy to let the English beat at Sea, and at last be forced to departed for want of provisions, rather than venture either men or Ships against them, who they had seen so well experienced in such terrible Sea-fights with the Hollander. But the English found in Wyers Bay in Portugal, a convenient supply both of Water and provisions, which proved a great deal nearer, than the Spaniard imagined they would be forced to fetch it.  
Hither were the Generals gone for fresh Water and provisions, having left only a Squadron of seven Ships, under Command of Captain Stainer, before the Port of Cadiz, to have an eye upon whatever Ships should pass in or out at that Port. Being thus plying to and fro thereabouts for some days, it happened that a stiff gale of Wind forced Stainer to stand out to Sea, where he spied a very pleasing object, part of the King of Spain's Fleet coming from the West-Indies, and making directly for Cadiz; he was somewhat to the Lee-ward, made up towards them with all the Sail they could possibly, and after some two hours hard plying, Captain Stainer with his Ship, the Speaker, the Bridgewater, and the Plymouth Frigates got up to them, (the other four of the English never being able to come up) and presently these three engaged them. Though the Spaniards were eight tall Ships or Galleons, yet in short time the Spanish whole Fleet was spoiled, whereof one was sunk, two , two ran ashore and were bulged, one escaped, and two remained in the hands of the English, one whereof had a great quantity of Plate and Cochenill in her, the other was for the most part laden with Hides. In these Ships many persons of note were taken, who together with the Ships were safely convoyed home, to the great joy of the Protector, who made a particular day of Thanksgiving to God for so great a booty.  
But notwithstanding the late great Plate prize, yet our Protector is still necessitated for Moneys; therefore to procure some, and out of a longing desire he had to have his power confirmed to him by the people, hoping that a new Representative might grant him that which the first denied or refused, issues out his Writs for the Election of another Parliament.  
Yet remembering the speeches and carriages of many Members in the late Parliament, he gave secret advice to the Sheriffs in most Counties, not to permit them, if possible to be chosen; however the people in most Countries choosing according to respect, his secret advice would scarce hold water.  
The 17th of September 1656, this Parliament met first at Westminster, where they found the ancient privilege of Parliament broken, by a promise imposed upon every individual Member, before he should be permitted to sit in the House; to wit, that he would not act any thing prejudicial to the Prebyterian Government; which promise so to be made, so digusted many of the Members, that they choose rather to return home; but the major part assenting to it, entering the House, chose Sr Thomas Widdrington for Speaker, and began to act suitable to the wishes and desires of the Protector. For first that they might secure his Highness' person (whose loss would certainly have been the ruin of the Nation) against all attempts which should be made against him by the Malignant Party, or such desperate Fellows as Sindercombe. They make an Act, wherein it was Enacted high Treason for any to attempt, compass, or imagine the Protectors death.  
They likewise considering the end for which they were called, grant him round sums of Money for the carrying on of the Spanish War; and to that effect make these ensuing Acts.  

An Act for an Assessment upon England for three Months, at the rate of a Month 560000  
On Scotland for three Month a Month. 6000  
On Ireland for three Months a Month. 6000  
On England, Scotland, and Ireland, for three years.  
England to pay 35000lb.  
Scotland to pay 06000lb.  
Ireland to pay 09000lb.  
An Act for continuing of Tonnage and Poundage.  
An Act for preventing the multiplicity of Buildings in about the City of London, and within ten Miles thereof. A whole years' revenue to be prefently paid for dwelling, or Outhouses, that have been reared upon new foundations since the year 1620.  
An Act for Excize of Merchandise imported.   
These with many other being presented to the Protector for his consent, were by him gladly passed, at which time he spoke somewhat to this effect to the Speaker. I perceive that among these Acts of Parliament, there hath been a very great care had by the Parliament, for the just and necessary support of the Commonwealth, by these Bills for levying of Money now brought to me, which I have given my consent unto. And understanding it hath been the practice of those who have been chief Governors, to acknowledge with thanks to the Commons their care and regard of the public, I do very hearty and thankfully acknowledge their kindness herein.  
But let us a little leave the Parliament perfecting all things to the Protectors content, and see a relation of the victorious General Blakes thrice worthy exploit at Sanctacruze.  
General Blake lying with his Fleet near Cadiz, had advice brought him that the Spanish West-India Fleet was put into the Port of Sanctacruze in Teneriffa, the chief Island of the Canaries. Whereupon the Fleet weighs Anchor, and on the 20th of April 1657, were at the mouth of Sanctacruze Bay, where they espied the Spanish Ships sixteen in number, lying in an order almost semicircular; at the mouth of the Haven stands a Castle well furnished with Guns, and besides that seven Forts more with three, four, and six Guns a piece, so that the passage in must needs be dangerous or rather desperate. Besides Don Diego D'aques the Spanish Admiral to make all safe, had caused the smaller Ships to be mored alongst the shore, and the six great Galleons lay farther off at Anchor, with their broad sides towards the Sea. General Blake having perceived this posture of defence in which they lay from the offing, presently calls a Counsel of War, where it was resolved that they should presently attaque them, not at all considering the eminent hazard. Captain Stainer Commander of the Speaker is ordered first in with them, who presently falls upon the Ships, not at all considering or regarding the number of the Shot, which the Forts on every side continually poured upon him; and maintains near an hours Fight, till the General's Blake and Montague (having ordered some Frigates to ply the Forts and Brest-works with continual broad sides) came up, and with all their power encountered the Spaniards, who though they made a gallant resistance, yet in four hours' space they were driven out of their Ships, which though possessed by the English, yet could not easily be brought away, so they were by them fired to the number of sixteen small and great. This noble attempt cost the English but 48 men, and 120 wounded. The Spaniards besides the loss of their whole Fleet, had many hundreds of men slain on the shore, and in the Forts and Brest-works, besides those which lost their lives in the Ships.  
For this noble exploit the Protector by Order of Parliament, sent a Diamond Ring worth 1500, for a present to General Blake. And Captain Richard Stainer who led on the first Squadron, was at his coming to England, for this and his former service, Knighted.  
This year happened a Conspiracy of other sort of men than Cavaliers; for on the 19th of April 1657, at a House in Shoreditch, several discontented persons who had been formerly of the Army, were apprehended, who had appointed to have Rendesvowzed on Mile-end-Green, and so have marched into other Counties to augment their Party. Store of Arms were taken, and the number of the Conspirators being many, they were disposed of in several prisons. Major General Harrison, Vice-admiral Lawson, Colonel Rich, and Major Danvers, were secured as the chief Ringleaders. This was called the Plot of the fifth-Monarchy-men.  
The Protector out of a desire he had to keep the Spaniards to it every where, makes a private agreement with France, to send out a Brigade of his best Infantry, (which the French extremely wanted) to assist them in Flanders. These were begun to be raised about the 4th of May 1657; and about the latter end of the Month, having had a very fine passage into Picardy; joined with those Forces commanded by the Marshal of Turene. Over these Sir John Reynolds (one of the Protectors Knights, but formerly Commissary General of the Army in Ireland) was appointed Commander in chief, and Colonel Morgan was made Major General.  
But to return a little to our affairs at home: The Parliament had long been debating concerning the settlement of his Highness, and had almost concluded of it; when on a sudden a Paper was sent into the House, desiring his Highness advance of Title. Upon this the grand machine of Government was printed, entitled, An humble Petition and Advice, humbly entreating that his Highness would be pleased to change his Title of Protector, to that of King. This was extremely averse to his nature, who (God bless us) would be a Servant and not a Master of his Country. He knew Monarchy to be odious both to the Army, and (as he said) to the people; and therefore he gave the Parliament this positive answer in the painted, Chamber, That he could not accept the Government under the Title of a King. Whereupon the Parliament voted that Protector should be the Title of the chief Magistrate; and the Petition and Advice being altered accordingly, nothing now wanted to the making it a Law, but his Highness' approbation: So a Conference is desired with him, which granted, the Protector on the 25th of May 1657, meets the Parliament in the painted Chamber, where Sr Thomas Widdrington Speaker presents him with the humble Petition and Advice, the substance whereof was 

1. That his Highness Oliver Cromwell under the Title of Lord Protector, would be pleased to execute the Office of chief Magistrate over England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Territories thereunto belonging, etc. and to govern according to all things in this Petition and Advice: And also that he would in his life time appoint the person, that should succeed in the Government after his death.  
2. That he would call a Parliament consisting of two Houses once in three years at farthest.  
3. That those persons who are legally chosen by a free Election of the people, to serve in Parliament, may not be excluded from doing their duties, but by consent of that House whereof they are Members.  
4. That none but those under the Qualifications therein mentioned, should be capable to serve as Members in Parliament.  
5. That the power of the other House be limited, as herein prescribed.  
6. That the Laws and Statutes of the Land be observed and kept, no Laws altered, suspended, abrogated or repealed, or new Laws made, but by Act of Parliament.  
7. That the yearly sum of a Million of pounds sterling, be settled for maintenance of the Navy and Army, and three hundred thousand pounds for support of the Government, besides other temporary supplies, as the Commons in Parliament shall see the necessities of the Nation to require.  
8. That the number of the Protectors Counsel shall not be above twenty one, whereof the Quorum to be seven.  
9 The chief Officers of State, as Chancellors, Keepers of the great Seal, etc. to be approved by Parliament.  
10. That his Highness would encourage a godly Ministry in these Nations, and that such as do revile and disturb them in the worship of God, may be punished according to Law, and where Laws are defective, new ones to be made.  
11. That the Protestant Christian Religion, as it is contained in the Old and New Testament, be asserted and held forth for the public profession of these Nations, and no other; and that a Confession of faith be agreed upon, and recommended to the people of these Nations; and none be permitted by words or writings, to revile or reproach the said Confession of faith.    
The Petition and Advice of which the foregoing Lines were the heads, being in the painted Chamber read to the Protector, was by him passed, though with much seeming reluctancy; he declaring, That he came not thither that day as to a triumph, but with the most serious thoughts that ever he had in all his life, being to undertake one of the greatest burdens, that ever was laid upon the back of any humane creature; so that without the support of the Almighty, he must necessarily sink under the weight of it, to the damage and prejudice of these Nations.  
That this being so, he must ask the help of the Parliament, and the help of all those that fear God, that by their prayers he might receive assistance from the hand of God, seeing nothing but his presence could enable him to the discharge of so great a trust.  
That seeing this is but an Introduction to the carrying on of the Government of these Nations; and forasmuch as there were many things which could not be supplied without help of Parliament, he thought it his duty to desire their help; not that he doubted of it, for he believed that the same spirit that had led the Parliament to this, would easily suggest the rest to them.  
That nothing should have induced him to have undertaken this intolerable burden to flesh and blood, had he not seen that it was the Parliaments care to answer those ends for which they had engaged, calling God to witness, that he would not have undergone it, had he not saw it to be determined by the Parliament, to make clearly for the liberty and interest of the Nation, and preservation of such as fear God; and that if these Nations be not thank full to them for their care therein, it would fall as a sin upon their heads.  
To conclude, he recommends to them other things which would tend to Reformation, and the discountenancing of vice, and encouragement to good men and virtue, desiring them that they would not be wanting in any thing that might make for the good of the Nations. So wishing the Lord to prosper their endeavours, ends.  
The Members having heard this speech are dismissed, and return to their House, whither in few days the Protector sends them a Letter, desiring their adjournment some convenient time, till the Inauguration of his Highness the Lord Protector, could be conveniently performed. And accordingly they passed a Bill for their adjournment from the 26th of June 1657, to the 20th of January following, the said 26th of June being the day appointed for his Highness solemn investiture.  
His Highness with accustomed Ceremonies, being conducted to the place which was prepared for him, under a Cloth of State in Westminster-hall, the Speaker in the name of the Parliament, presents several things (which were ready laid upon the Table) unto him. First a Robe of purple Velvet, lined with Ermine, being the habit anciently used at the solemn investiture of Princes; next a large Bible richly guilt and bossed; then a Sword; and lastly a Sceptre of massy Gold: Which thus presented in the whole, the Speaker arose, and assisted by the Earl of Warwick and the Lord Whitlocke, vested his Highness; then presented him the Bible; the Speaker girt his Sword about him; and lastly gave him the Sceptre; which done, the Speaker returned again to the Chair, and administered the Oath to the Protector in these following words.  
I do in the presence and by the name of Almighty God promise and swear, that to the uttermost of my power I will uphold and maintain the true Reformed Protestant Christian Religion, in the purity thereof as it is contained in the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, to the uttermost of my power and understanding, and encourage the profession and professors of the same; and that to the utmost of my power I will endeavour, as chief Magistrate of these three Nations, the maintenance and preservation of the peace and safety, and just rights and privileges of the people thereof; and shall in all things according to my best knowledge and power, govern the people of these Nations according to Law.  
This Oath administered, and some attending Ceremonies performed, a Herald stood up aloft, giving signal to a Trumpet to sound three times; after which he did by Authority and Direction of Parliament, publish and proclaim his Highness, Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, requiring all persons to yield him due obedience.  
This Proclamation ended, the Trumpets again founded, and some Soldiers, and others set there on purpose, echoed forth, God save the Lord Protector. Then was he again proclaimed by an Officer at Arms, standing on the stairs, which was answered again by the same Echoes of some of the Soldiery.  
These Ceremonies ended, the Protector attended by all the Officers of State, went into the Palace-yard Westminster, in his Robes, where entering his Coach, he returned in State to Whitehall.  
But let us now return a little to our English Forces, which went over under Sr John Reynolds, to assist the French King, who this year about the latter end of October, advance into the Spanish Territories; and joining with the Marshal Turine, the whole Army according to agreement, sat down before the Mardike-Fort, which lies about two Miles from Dunkirk, and was judged of concernment to the taking of Dunkirk itself, (which place according to agreement, the French Army in consideration our helps, was joined with theirs to the siege, before any other service, and if taken to deliver it into the English hands) after a short siege Mardike was upon Articles surrendered to the French and English, and presently a Garrison of Soldiers placed in it; whom the Spaniards suddenly after endeavoured to remove, by giving a fierce Camisado to the Fort, when the Armies were drawn into their Winter-Quarter; but it proved ineffectual. For though there were no want of courage in their charge, yet the English repulsed them; though they not content with this expulse, adventured upon it again, where though the Duke of York, who commanded in chief, performed things worthy of so gallant a Prince, yet were they forced to a second retreat.  
Whilst the sweetness of these successes made many men rejoice, there arrived news to embitter it, viz. the death of that noble and thrice valiant General Blake, who had done such noble and gallant service for his Country; had beaten the Hollanders (that potent Nation at Sea) forcing them to run into their harbours for shelter, he had lately burnt the mighty King of Spain's West-India Fleet in his own harbours, and under his own Castles; and to shorten his praises in a word, had he been but as loyal as he was valiant, his praise might justly have exceeded the ancient Semigods, (and the Pyramids of his same have endured with glory to eternity; though he was now buried obscurely in Harry the sevenths' Chapel, and neither Statue nor Tomb erected to his memory.  
The Lord Protector having how insured his greatness, gins to confer Titles of honour upon his Children, his eldest Son Richard is made Chancellor of the University of Oxford; and his younger Son Henry sent over Lord Deputy into Ireland, where 'tis affirmed by some, that he governed both with such prudence and magnanimity together, that he had in short time gained the loves both of the English and Irish in that Nation. And 'tis by most conceived probable, that had his Father lest the Government of England to him, as he did to his Son Richard, these Nations might have still remained subject to that Family.  
About this time the Armies in Flanders being still disposed in their Winter-Quarters, Sir John Reynolds Commander in chief, together with Colonel White, and some other Commanders of Note; embarking in a Shallop at Mardike, to come over and visit his Highness the Lord Protector, were by a sudden storm driven upon the Goodwin Sands, and were there all drowned.  
His Highness had in this interval of the Parliaments Sessions, made choice of sundry persons to fill up his other House, or Pageant-House of Lords; which because posterity may know what persons they were, every one almost having heard both of them, and known the rise of most of them, I shall here insert their Names.  

1. Richard Cromwell.  
2. Henry Cromwell.  
3. Nathaniel Feins.  
4. John List. Commissioners of the great Seal.  
5. Henry Lawrence. Precedent of the Privy Counsel.  
6. Charles Fleetwood. Lieutenant General.  
7. Robert Earl of Warwick.  
8. Edmund Earl of Malgrave.  
9 Edward Earl of Manchester.  
10. William Viscount. Say and Seal.  
11. Philip Lord Visc. List.  
12. Charles Lord Visc. Howard.  
13. Philip Lord Wharton.  
14. Thomas Lord Falconbridge.  
15. George Lord Ewers.  
16. john Cleypool.  
17. john Disborow.  
18. Edward Montague.  
19 Bulstrode Whitlock.  
20. William Sidenham.  
21. Sr Charles Woelsey.  
22. Sr Gilbert Pickering.  
23. Philip Skippon.  
24. Walter Strickland.  
25. Francis Rouse.  
26. john jones.  
27. Sr William Strickland.  
28. john Fines.  
29. Sr Francis Russell.  
30. Sr Thomas Homeywood.  
31. Sr Arthur Hasterig.  
32. Sr john Hebard.  
33. Sr Richard Onslow.  
34. Sr Gilbert Gerrard.  
35. Sr William Roberts.  
36. john Glyn.  
37. Oliver St john's. Judges.  
38. William Pierrepoint.  
39 john Crew.  
40. Alexander Popham.  
41. Philip jones.  
42. Sr Christopher Pack.  
43. Sr Robert Tichborn.  
44. Edward whaley.  
45. john Barkstead. Lieut. of the Tower.  
46. Sr john Hewson.  
47. Sr Thomas Pride.  
48. Sr George Fleetwood.  
49. Richard Ingoldsby.  
50. james Berry.  
51. William Goffe..  
52. Thomas Gooper.  
53. Edmund Thomas.  
54. George Monk General in Scotland.  
55. David Earl of Cassils'.  
56. Sr William Lockhart.  
57 Archibald johnson of Warreston.  
58. William Steel.  
59 Roger Lord Broghill.  
60. Sr Matthew Thomlinson.  
61. William Lenthall.  
62. Richard Hampden.   
This is the Catalogue of those Lords (at least such as were ordered to be so esteemed by the Protector) which were by him created Peers of the Land, (though without any other Title then that of bare Lord (how unfit many of them were to be so, I'll leave to any rational man to judge, since (though there might some persons of honour he picked out amongst them) men raised by the power of the Sword, yet were the greatest part of them such as had either raised themselves fortune out of these Kingdom's distractions, and so were as deeply engaged against their King and Country as himself, which made them indeed the fit for his designs, as being most likely to stand true to his interest.  
But the time of the prorogation of the Parliament being expired, they make their appearance in the House, the Pageant-House of Lords likewise sitting according to ancient custom, whither the Protector coming, sends to the Commons to tell them that he attended them in the House of Lords, whither the Speaker with the rest of the Members immediately go, to whom he makes a very fair speech; telling them in conclusion, that if they would go on to prosecute his designs, that they should be called the blessed of the Lord, and the generations to come would bless them, etc. But the Parliament according to the fourth Article of the Petition and Advice, which says, That no Members legally chosen should be excluded from performance of their duty but by consent of Parliament, immediately proceed to the calling over and readmitting of those Members, which had formerly been secluded by the Protector, to his Highnesses no little discontent.  
The Parliament being now full, began to be angry at the House of Lords, and to esteem it only as a Pageant-Parliament, set up on purpose to mock them; for it was strange to them, that that power which was created but by a part of a Parliament, should have a negative voice over a full House. And at length they went so far as to question the Protectors power in calling them or Authorising them to sit as a House of Peers, which he finding, thought it not fitting to let businesses of this high nature run too far. So on the 4th of February he goes to his House of Lords, and by the Master of the black Rod he sends to acquaint the House of Commons of his being there; so the Speaker, and the rest of the Members repairing thither, and standing without the Bar, his Highness sitting under a Chair of Estate, made a large Speech to them; and in conclusion told them, That it did concern his interest as much as the public peace and tranquillity of the Nation, to terminate that Parliament, and therefore he did now put an end to their sitting. So the House in obedience to his commands, dissolved.  
And now the Protector having a plot near discovery, order the settlement of the Militia of London, (but in such men's hands as would certainly be faithful to his interest) this he doth under pretence to persuade the people how much he labours for their security; which to make them more sensible of, presently after succeeds the discovery of this horrible terrible plot, and herein not only his own person must be endangered, but the Tower and Mews must be furprized both at one time, the City of London fired, and all the Soldiers about it to be put to the Sword; and all this monstrous Gunpowder-work to be performed by not above thirty persons, of whom the Reverend Dr Hewit, a man so truly Christian, that he would rather have prayed for, then revenged himself of an enemy, must be head here; whilst Sr Henry Slingsby must from a prisoner in the Castle, take possession of the Garrison of Hull; yet these two, with about twenty or thirty others of meaner rank, were clapped up into the Tower, and after some time being brought before the high Court of Justice, erected for that purpose, were charged with high Treason: For  
1. That they had traitorously and maliciously endeavoured to raise force and levy war against his Highness and the Government, and to subvert and alter the same.  
2. That they had traitorously declared, published and promoted Charles Stuart eldest Son to the late King Charles, to be King of England, Scotland and Ireland.  
3. That they had held intelligence with the said Charles Stuart. These were the heads of the Charge against them. Sr Henry Slingsby was likewise charged for endeavouring to seduce the Governor of Hull, and persuading him to surrender that Garrison to the King: for these they were both condemned as Traitors, though there were no witness against Dr Hewit, but the Confession of one Mallory, (who pretended himself to have been in the Plot,) and accordingly on the 8th of June, he and Sr Henry Slingsby lost their heads on Tower hill; how justly God of Heaven knows! but we may have the liberty to guests by circumstances.  
Many endeavours were used by several persons of quality for the saving of Sr Henry Slingsby, and many Peritions presented by the Ministers of London in behalf of Dr Hewit, and his Daughter Cleypool begging on her knees; but nothing could pacify the Protector, who was resolved these two worthy persons should be sacrifices to his tyranny.  
There were likewise executed for this business Colonel Edward Ashton, who was hanged, drawn and quartered at Mark lane end in Fan-Church street, Edmond Stacy, who suffered the same death in Cornhill, and John Betteby, who suffered like wise in Cheapside; the Romanlike death of the last being very well worth remembrance.  
As the death of Dr Hewit was a prodigy to to the world, so there could no less than a prodigy attend it. For some time before his execution, there came up the Thames as fare as Greenwich a Whale of a very great length and bigness, it being the wonder of the all the beholders to imagine, that such a Creature of such a vast bigness, should either find the way up, or be content to leave (especially at that season of the year) its natural Element.  
But let us return again to the scene of war in Flanders, where the English and French Armies are joined together, and set down before Dunkirk, with a resolution to take it before they stirred; whereupon Don John D' Austria knowing the importance of the place, it being the Key of Flanders, and next after Gravelling a frontier to France; besides the continual supplies of Money it brought his Treasury, and the many inconveniences would ensue by the English possessing it, resolves rather to hazard his whole Army than not attempt its relief.  
But whilst he is getting of force together, the English and French forces had in a small time run their trenches to the counterscarp, and still encroached nigher and nigher to the wall; which the Spaniards having advice of, and fearing lest their relief might come too late, make what haste possible to its a shstarce: the better to effect which, Don john dreins most of his Garrisons, and completes a body of 10000, with these he marches post hast through Fuornes, and encamps within a mile and a half of the Marshal Turines' quarters; of which the Confederates having advice, immediately dislodg with a body of 15000 or thereabouts, leaving still sufficient to guard the trenches and make good the approaches, in case the Townsmen should attempt a sally. With this force of men and 10 pieces of Cannon Turine faces the Spaniard; the English foot were drawn up in four great battalions, and were ordered to give the first onset on four other battalions of the Spaniards foot which had taken the advantage of the ground, by placing themselves upon three rising hillocks, and were seconded by Don john himself. The English were commanded by the Lord Lockhart, who having first commanded a forlorn hope of about 300 Muskiteers to mount the sand hills, which he seconds with his own Regiment of Foot commanded by Colonel Fenwick, who stoutly maintained their ground, though the Spaniards played down continual volleys of shot amongst them, and the French refused to second them, sent another considerable Brigade to their relief, which made no dallying, but immediately fell in amongst the Spanish Foot with the buttend of their Musquers, who after some small resistance, not having been used to such kind of Club-Law, left the field and fled; whereupon the French Horse seeing the good fortune of the English Foot, fell in upon the Spanish Horse, who few or none of them stood the charge, except those under the commands of the Dukes of York, and Gloucester, who having made a gallane resistance, were forced, more overpowred with number, then overreached in valour, to quit the field after the rest.  
In this Battle a great part of the Lord Lockharts' Regiments were either slain or wounded; and amongst the rest, Lieutenant Colonel Fenwicke who led them on, was slain by a Musket-Bullet of the Spaniards side. The slaughter was very great, the French Horse after the Battle having little or no mercy in the pursuit, so that there were near 3000 slain, besides many the Spanish Nobility who were taken, most wounded, and many of which after died of their wounds. This total rout of the Relievers Army, as it encouraged the besiegers, so it totally discouraged the besieged: for they could expect no relief neither by Sea nor Land, the English Frigates blocking them up by sea, and Don John D' Austria not being able to recruit his Army by Land. But yet the Marquis of Leda to show he was not totally disheartened, with a strong Party sallies out of the Town, and falls upon the French Quarters, which was counted rather an act of desperation, than valour, or hopes of success; for here he who was the life of the business, and whose life might still the action in being, received a wound, of which he shortly after died; and with him the Spaniards possession of the Town of Dunkirk. For those within after the French and English had for fourteen days together continued to play their Mortar-peeces upon the Town; the inhabitants weary of the sport, and despairing, beat a Parley, and desire to come to capitulation; which being granted, the Town was surrendered up upon Articles, viz.  
1. That the Town should be surrendered up, with all their great Guns, store of victuals, magazines of Arms and Ammunition without any imbezlement whatsoever.  
2. That the Officers and Soldiers should march out with Drums beating, Colours flying, two piece of Ordnance and their baggage.  
3. That they should have free liberty to march to St Omers, with a conduct to convey them-thither.  
4. That the Inhabitants should remain indemnified in their persons or goods, and enjoy their former privileges and customs for two years; nor be molested by any one in matters of Religion.  
These Articles being thus concluded on and ratified by his Majesty of France, the strong Town of Dunkirk was surrendered, and possession taken of it by the King of France and Cardinal in person on the 25th of June 1658.  
The Spaniards then marching out to the number of about 1700 Horse and Foot, the English had the possession of the Town immediately delivered over to them, wherein they found 136 brass piece of Ordnance, with great store of Ammunition and Provision in the Magazines: it was immediately engarrisoned by three Regiments of the English Foot then there, and a Regiment of Horse to be under the command of the Lord Lockhart was immediately raised, and as fast as possibly could be sent over thither.  
But whilst the Armies lay before Dunkirk, the King of France lying then at Calais, the Lord Faulconbridge (who was made one of the Protectors blood by marrying the Lady Mary one of the Protectors Daughters) was sent to Calais to compliment that King and Cardinal; in return of which, Mounsieur Manani Nephew to Mazarine and the Duke de Grequi, are sent to salute his Highness, who are here very nobly entertained, and sent back with high satisfaction and content.  
The Lord Lockart having now got sure possession of the Town of Dunkirk, endeavours to keep fast his hold; and to that effect he causes Proclamation to be made.  
1. That whatsoever Burger hath withdrawn himself out of the Town, out of hatred or aversion to the present Government, shall not return without satisfaction given, and a Passport from the Governor.  
2. That no Burger remaining in Town shall go out, nor any abroad return into the Town, without a Passport.  
3. That no Burger entertain an enemy in his house without disclosing him, on pain of being proceeded against as an enemy.  
4. That whosoever shall conceal in his house any Arms, Ordnance, or Ammunition, shall upon discovery pay ten times the value.  
5. That no Innkeeper receive or lodge any guests or strangers, without bringing their names and qualities immediately to the Governor.  
6. That no man remove or convey any goods out of the Town, without giving a particular thereof, and obtaining licence so to do.  
7. That no Tradesman open shop on Sunday, and that no punishment be inflicted for following their callings on other Holidays, notwithstanding any power or eustome to the contrary, (is not this a breach of the fourth Article?)  
8. That the values of Money within the Town, the prices of Wine and Beer, and the weight and proportions of Bread be henceforth according to the Orders ensuing, (the value of Money there I have inserted, in regard it may be useful to those that travel thither) viz  

Old Jacobusses at 15 Gilders.  
New ones or Carolusses 14 Gilders.  
English Shillings 13 Stivers or pence.  
English half Crowns 32 Stivers and a half.  
Gold Spanish Pistols 11 Gilders.  
Gold Rials 8 Gilders.  
Gold Sovereign's 18 Gilders.  
Gold double ducats 12 Gilders.  
Gold French Crowns 5 Gilders and 10 Stivers.  
Gold Hungary ducats 6 Gilders.  
Gold Albertine 7 Gilders and 16 Stivers.  
Gold Reinis-Gilders 3 Gildets 15 Stivers.  
Gold Riders of Zealand 7 Gilders 10 Stivers.  
The double ones and half accordingly.  
Gold Flemish Crowns 4 Gilders 16 Stivers.  
Italian Pistols 9 Gilders 12 Stivers.  
Gold Crowns of Liege 3 Gilders 10 Stivers.  
Silver Ducatoons 3 Gilders 15 Stivers.  
Flemish or sealed Pattacoons 3 Gilders.  
Silver Lewisses 3 Gilders.  
Holland Rix Dallors 3 Gilders.  
Cardeques of Weight one Gilder.  
French Testoons of Weight 19 Stivers.  
French silver Franks or Livers of Weight one Gilder 7 Stivers.  
Flemish Shillings 7 Stivers and a half.  
Zealand Shillings 7 Stivers.  
Flemish Stooters 2 Stivers and a half.  
The Flemish ten Stiver piece 12 Stivers.  
The Flemish five Stiver piece 6 Stivers.  
Flemish Stivers and marked pieces at one Stiver or 4 Farthings.  
Flemish and French Farthings four to a Penny or Stiver.   
The rest of the Declaration contained the prices of Wine, Beer, Bread, and Flesh; and that no man should presume to sell or transport Wine, or Beer, upon several penalties or amercements.  
There was likewise an Oath to be administered to all the inhabitants of Dunkirk, as followeth, viz.  
I A. B. do in the presence and by the name of the Almighty God, promise and swear, that from henceforth I shall bear faith and true Allegiance, and shall be true and faithful unto Oliver now Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging, and his Successor as chief Magistrate thereof, and shall not design, contrive, or attempt any thing against the Person or Authority of the Lord Protector, or against the safety, just defence, or necessary preservation of this Town or place of Dunkirk, in and for its safety, defence, and preservation, under the Government of the Lord Protector, and his Successors, against all conspiracies and attempts whatsoever, and will do my best endeavour to make known and disclose unto the Protector and his successors, or the Commander in chief in this place, under his said Highness for the time being, all treasons and traitorous conspiracies which I shall know or hear of to be against his Person or Authority, or against the safety of this Town or place of Dunkirk, for the betraying of it into the hands of any other persons, or that tends to the withdrawing of any of the persons or people in it, from their fidelity to the Lord Protector, or his Government.  
Dunkirk thus securely estated in the hands of the English, the French Army after about a Month's siege, possess themselves of Gravelling, a strong Tower not far from Dunkirk; so that the English and French had now in their hands all the Frontier-Towns on this side of Flanders.  
But whilst the Armies are thus triumphing in Flanders, God sends the Protector a scourge at his own doors; for his dearly beloved Child, the only darling of his eyes, the Lady Elizabeth Cleypool, on whom he had placed the whole affections of his soul, was by the revenging hand of the Almighty (for the innocent blood of his Prophet and servant so lately added to the great mass before shed) on the 6th of August taken out of the world, from before the eyes of her dearly loving Father, whose very image 'tis said she was, and into whose praises many are pleased to lash, and advance her fame to the skies (either out of fear, flattery, or to show the world how they can command their Pens to any subject,) but amongst the rest he most pleases me, who is pleased to style her an Amazon, perhaps not unfitly; but de mortuis nil nisi bonum.  
She dying at Hampton Court, was from thence the fourth day after conveyed by water (with a great many Barges in mourning accompanying her corpse) from thence to Westminster, and there laid in the Painted Chamber (where a stately Hearse was prepared for her,) till about 12 a clock at night, when with a Noble, but not over stately Funeral pomp, her body was conveyed into Henry the seavenths' Chapel, and there interred in a place purposely provided for it.  
Her death was the cause of so great grief to the Protector her Father, as most affirm, that it was one chief cause of his, which followed not long after; for having been very pensive and melancholy, from her death till aboutthe middle of August, his distemper was perceived to be an Ague, which together with other malignant humours so depressed his vitals, that it brought him at length to his final Exit, though with many strive and struggle, he often falling into swoons and trances, being loath to go to give an account.  
He could not be persuaded that his distemper was mortal, being an Enthusiast in judgement, firmly believing, That as God had carried him to that height, so he had some farther work for him to do; he having about him such sycophantine Chaplains, one of which but three days before his death praying by his bed side used this expression, Lord we beg not of thee life, for that we are already assured of; but that thou wouldst be pleased to ease him of his languishing misery.  
Having had several discourses with divers of his Privy Counsel, who earnestly pressed him according to the first Article of the Petition and Advice, to name his Successor, being ambitious to leave what he could no longer enjoy himself, to his own line, named his Son Richard Cromwell for succeeding Protector after his death.  
The night before his departure (says one) he was observed to have uttered this Prayer:  
Lord, I am a miserable creature, yet I am in Covenant with thee through grace; and I may, I will come unto thee for thy people. Lord thou hast made me, though very unworthy, a mean instrument to do them some good, and thee service; and many of them had too high value of me, though others would be glad of my fall. But Lord, howsoever thou disposest of me do good for them. Give consistency of judgement, one heart and mutual love unto them. Let the Name of Christ be glorious throughout the world. Pardon such as delight to trample upon the ashes of a worm, and pardon the folly of this short Prayer, even for Jesus Christ his sake.  
This was on Thursday night, and on Friday morning being the 3d of September 1658, (his twice auspicious day) he shown all the signs of a dying person, though he continued still alive till about three a clock in the afternoon, when his great soul expired, and went to give an account of his actions in this life, to the great High Court of Justice, who had so often called men to account before his High Courts of Justice here: yet there he might have this surety, which could not be given here, that there are neither Trepanners nor false Witnesses.  
The Privy Counsel upon advice of his death, immediately assembled together, and being satisfied of his departure out of this world, and that he according to the first Article of the Petition and Advice, had appointed his Son Richard Cromwell to succeed him in the Government of Lord Protector of England, Scotland and Ireland, etc. they agreed to his choice, and the Officers of the Army having likewise assented thereto; they immediately sent the Lord Chamberlain to acquaint the Lord Richard Cromwell, that they were coming to wait upon him; whereupon he attended their coming; and the Lord Precedent being the foremost, made a Speech to him in the name of the whole Counsel: wherein he let him know, how deeply the Counsel was affected with grief for the death of his Princely Father, and that they could not but very much condole with him for so great a loss; and withal to acquaint him, that his late Highness his dear Father, having in his life time, according to the humble Petition and Advice, declared and appointed him to succeed in the Government of these Nations; the Counsel had taken the matter into consideration, and thereupon resolved it, and had caused a Proclamation to be drawn up which was passed by the Counsel, communicated and consented to by the Officers of the Army, and subscribed by the members of the Counsel, and the Lord Major of London and Officers of the Army with one consent, whereby his Highness was to be proclaimed Lord Protector of these three Nations of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and that the said Proclamation was to be made public the next Morning at nine of the Clock, etc. To this his Highness returned answer, That he had a very deep sense, as well of his own sorrow for the loss of his Father, as of the faithfulness of the Counsel of the City of London, and Officers of the Army, toward his deceased Father and himself in the present occasion; and likewise the sense he had of the great weight of the Government now by God's providence thrust upon his shoulders, which he could no better way hope to sustain, than by theirs and the good people of the Nations Prayers, whose peace and prosperity he would endeavour to maintain to the utmost of his power, etc. so he dismissed the Counsel.  
Thus you have a full relation of the end of Oliver Cromwell Lord Protector of England, Scotland, and Ireland, whose valour only mounted him to that height, and for which only he deserves remembrance or applause; and by which he raised his Family to that pitch, to equal with the best of the Kingdom, and the Nation to that glory, that foreign Princes both feared and envied it. He had issue two Sons, viz.  
1. The Lord Richard Cromwell, (who was brought up in a soft kind of life, and more addicted to hunting and pleasures, then either to Wars or Governments) who succeeded him in the Protectorship.  
2. The Lord Henry Cromwell, who from sixteen years of age was by his Father bred a Soldier, and was at his death Lord Deputy of Ireland. And four Daughters, viz.  
1. Bridget his eldest Daughter was first married to the Lord Deputy Ireton, and after his death remarried to the Lord Fleetwood, who succeeded Ireton in the Deputyship of Ireland.  
2. Elizabeth his second Daughter married to the Lord Cleypool, Master of his Highness' Horse.  
3. Marry his third Daughter married to the Lord Faulconbridge. And  
4. Frances his youngest Daughter who was married to the Lord Rich, Grandchild to the Earl of Warwick. So high were his fortunes raised, that those of the Nobility who would once have hardly deigned to have spoke to him, would now have accounted it an honour to have matched into his Family. But let us leave him sleeping in his ashes, and proceed to his Son Richard.   

FLORUS ANGLICUS, OR THE Government of England UNDER Richard Lord Protector, in the Years 1658, 1659. PART III.  
OLIVER Lord Protector of England, etc. being thus deceased, the Privy Counsel send a Committee of their own members, viz. the Lord Montague General at sea, Walter Strickland Esquire, and Major General Skippon, to the City, who acquainted them with the Counsels intentions to proclaim his Highness Richard (the eldest Son to the late deceased) Lord Protector of these Nations, and their territories and dominions; which being readily assented to by them, the ensuing Proclamation was the next day after oliver's death, first read at the Counsel window by Norway King of Arms; viz.  
Whereas it hath pleased the most wise God in his Providence, to take out of the world the most serene and Renowned Oliver late Lord Protector of this Commonwealth, and his said Highness having in his life time, according to the humble Petition and Advice, declared and appointed the most Noble and Illustrious the Lord Richard, eldest Son of his said late Highness, to succeed him in the Government of these Nations; we therefore of the Privy Counsel, together with the Lord Mayor, aldermans and Citizens of London, the Officers of the Army, and numbers of other principal Gentlemen, do now hereby with one full voice and consent of tongue and heart, publish and declare the said Noble and Illustrious Lord RICHARD, to be rightfully Protector of this Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions and territories thereunto belonging, to whom we do acknowledge all fidelity and constant obedience, according to Law and the said humble Petition and Advice, with all hearty and humble affections; beseeching the Lord, by whom Prince's rule, to bless him with long life, and these Nations with peace and happiness under his Government.  
This Proclamation was signed by the Lord Mayor of London, the members of the Privy Counsel, and most of the Officers of the Army, and was afterwards proclaimed in the Palace-yard Westminster, at Cheapside, the Royal-exchange in Cornhill, and so in order throughout all the Dominions of England, Scotland and Ireland.  
Proclamation being thus made, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen in their formalities, came in the afternoon to condole the death of his late Highness, to congratulate his Highness' advancement to the Protectorship, and to surrender up into his hands the Sword of the City: they were received with the accustomed Ceremonies, and the Lord Mayor having delivered up his Sword, received it again from his Highness' hands; and after some other Ceremonies performed as usual, and Dr Goodwin having prayed for a blessing upon his Highness' Person, his Government, his Forces by Sea and Land, and upon all the People of these Nations, Nathaniel Fines one of the Lords Commissioners of the great Seal, and one of his Highness Privy Counsel, administered the same Oath to his Highness, which had been formerly administered to his Father upon his Instalment  
After the Oath administered, his Highness first addressed himself to the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, thanking them for theirs and the City's fidelity and good affection towards him, and then having returned the like thanks to the addresses of the Officers of the Army, he dismissed them; and then passed a Proclamation for continuance of all such as were in any Office of Government at his Father's death, till further directions from his Highness.  
The sixth of September, by his Highness' Order the Imbargo made upon his Father's death on all Ships and Vessels in the Ports of England and Wales, was taken off, and Sr Oliver Fleming Master of the Ceremonies, was ordered to acquaint the Ministers of all foreign Princes, of the death of Oliver Lord Protector, and that both that Title and the Government of these three Nations, was devolved and established on his eldest Son Richard Cromwell.  
The Lord Newport who was come over as Ambassador extraordinary from the States of Holland, to the Protectors Father, but first by reason of his indisposedness being retarded his audience, and afterwards by reason of his death, his Ambassage proved ineffectual; he having received new Letters from his Masters, ordering him to condole his late Highness death, and compliment his present Highness for his advancement to the Government, hoping that the same firm league and peace might be continued between his Highness and those States, as had been between them and his princely Father; delivered his Message in a public audience before his Highness, and received an answer conformable to his desires.  
Several addresses protesting both love and obedience to his Highness, are presented both by the Army, City of London, and most of the Countries; the whole Nation being seemingly content and satisfied with his advancement to the Government of these Kingdoms. Nor were the Officers of the Army, even those who afterwards showed themselves most active in depriving him of his Government, backward; but every particular Regiment gave in their addresses, condoling his Father's death, and protesting their willingness, nay joy, in becoming obedient to him. But amongst all those addresses, I cannot omit one passage in that presented by Major General John Disborow and his Regiment, in which condoling his Father's death they add thus, viz. Your Highness, your Armies, and people, reap the benefit of his prayers and successes; but alas! this our Moses (your dear and blessed Father) the servant of the Lord is dead, and shall we not weep! Though we weep not for him, we cannot but weep for ourselves. We cannot but look after him, crying, Our Father, our Father, the Chariots of Israel, and the horsemen thereof; the fiery Chariot indeed of England, whose fury and ambition had set the whole Nation in flames and combustion.  
Nor are the rest of those foreign Ministers which were then in England, viz. the Ambassadors of France, and Sweden, and Portugal, the Agents for the Hans-Towns, Florence, Venice, and Genua, backward in coming to lament with his Highness for the death of his Father, and desire the continuance of that league; friendship, and amity, which was maintained and granted by him. To which the Lord Protector returned answer, that there could not be any greater argument used for his continuance offriendship with any Kingdom or Commonwealth, then by telling him that his Father had contracted it.  
Nor are Scotland, or Ireland, less compliant to his desires than England had been, they thence send their addresses and promises of obedience; so that his Government seemed every where to begin with a great deal of serenity, and fair promises of a long continuance. In Scotland likewise, General Monk who continued Vicegerent there, published a Declaration for the better securing the peace of that Nation: declaring  
First, That no person then beyond the seas, or out of the Dominions of this Commonwealth, etc. Except Masters of Ships, or Seamen belonging to Ships of this Commonwealth, should after the first of December 1658, presume to come into Scotland, without Licence from the Lord Protector, or his Counsel in England, the Lord Deputy or Counsel of Ireland, or his Highness' Counsel of Scotland; as they would answer it at their perils.  
Secondly, That such Persons as shall arrive in Scotland after the first of December, having such a Pass, shall at their arrival be bound to give intimation to the Governor of the next adjacent Garrison, who is to examine them, and see that their Pass be not counterfeit: and for all those who shall arrive before the first of December, they are to make their appearance before the Governor of the next adjacent Garrison, who is to examine the cause of their coming into Scotland, and if he find them to be persons suspected, to apprehend and secure them.  
Thirdly, That no Master of any Ship, shall either coming from beyond the Seas, or going out of Scotland, bring in or carry out any person whatsoever who hath not such a Pass as aforesaid.  
This Proclamation was published under high pretences of preventing the design of the Cavalier party there.  
And now the time approached for celebrating the Funeral Pomp of his Highness Oliver late Lord Protector, of which great care had been taken, and no imaginary state neglected: for he being first emboweled, was from Whitehall carried to Somerset House, where his Effigies was set up in state after this manner. Three Rooms were first hung with black Cloth, adorned each of them with a Canopy and Chair of State of the same. The fourth where the Corpse was and the Effigies did first lie, was hung with Velvet, and adorned with Scutcheons and Banners in most Noble sort; after which, the Effigies was removed into another Room, and there exposed to public view, standing in Princely manner upon an ascent under a Canopy of State, with a Sceptre in one hand, a Globe in the other, and a Crown on his head, after the ancient manner of the Kings of England; his Armour lying by him, and the Banners, Banrols and Standards placed round about him, and so continued until the solemnizationi of the Funerall-pomps' and Ceremonies, which were performed on the 23th of November 1658, in form following:  
The Effigies being taken down by several of the Protectors Gentlemen, was with a rich Canopy carried over it, taken and placed in a Chariot, covered with black Velvet, adorned with Plumes and Scutcheons, and drawn by six plumed Horses, covered to the heels with black Velvet: Then the Train began to march, betwixt the Rails set up on purpose, from Somerset House to Westminster, on each side of which stood the Soldiers with black Ribbons on their red Coats, and their Ensigns furled and covered with a vail of Cypress. And first went a Knight-marshal on Horseback, with his black Truncheon tipped with gold, attended by his Deputy, and several other Officers to clear the way. Next followed the Poor men of Westminster, two and two in mourning Gowns and Hoods: Then the Servants of those Persons of Quality attended the Funeral: Then the Servants of the deceased Protector, in their respective places and orders: Then the Servants of the Lord Mayor, Sheriffs and Aldermen of London: Then the Servants attending the Ambassadors and Agents of Foreign Princes: After them the Poor Knights of Windsor in their Gowns and Hoods: Then the Clerks, Secretaries and other under-Officers belonging to the Army, Admiralty, Treasury, Navy and Exchequer: Then the Commanders in the Fleet, and Officers of the Army: Then the Commissioners for Excise, the Committees of the Army and Navy: Then the Commissioners for approbation of Ministers: Then the Officers belonging to the Privy Counsel and both Houses of Parliament: Next followed the Protectors Physicians: Then the Field-Officers and general Officers of the Army: Next the Aldermen of London: Then the Masters of the Chancery, and the deceased Protectors Counsel at Law: Then the Judges of the Admiralty, the Masters of Request with the Judges in Wales: Then the Barons of the Exchequer, the Judges of both Benches, and Lord Mayor of London: Then the Persons allied to his Highness. and the Members of the Lords House: After them the Agents of Venice, Genoa, the Hans-Towns, and other public Ministers: The Holland Ambassador alone: The Portugal Ambassador, whose Train was born up by four Knights of the Order of Christ: The French Ambassador whose Train was likewise born up by four Persons of Quality: The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal: The Lords of the Privy Counsel: Then followed the Chief Mourner, with those Persons who bore up his Train: most of the Persons of Honour were in Close Mourning, and were in their divisions distinguished by Drums and Trumpets, and by a Standard or Banner, and by a Mourning Horse, of which there were eleven in all, four covered with black Cloth, and seven with Velvet; These being all past in order, the Effigies followed in the Chariot, with six Banner Rolls born on each side, and eight Persons bearing the several pieces of the deceased Protectors Arms, all which were attended by Heralds; after whom came Garter principal King at Arms, attended by a Gentleman on each side bareheaded: Then followed the Horse of Honour, in very rich Trappings of Gold embroidered upon crimson Velvet, and adorned with white, yellow and red Plumes, which was led by the Master of the Horse: And last of all followed the Protectors Guard of Halbertiers, with the Warders of the Tower.  
In this State was the Effiigies conducted from Somerset House to Westminster, where it was taken off the Chariot, and in the same State as it was first taken out of Somerset House, carried into the Abbey Church, and placed under a wooden Monument stately erected for it, with the Bannors and six Ensigns of Honour placed about it; the Corpse having been some days before buried in a Vault purposely provided for it in Henry the 7 this Chapel, over which a stately Monument was intended to be erected over it, but the after sudden Revolutions of State hindered that undeserved remembrance of him.  
With all this Pomp and Splendour were the Funeral Ceremonies of the deceased Lord Protector performed, so prodigal were the Counsel of State to the very memory of their so beneficial a Master, not regarding at all the Debts or other inconveniences which they might run the Nation into, by so vast an expense; so that in requital to him, or to ingratiate themselves with his Son, they were so vain as to extend the pomp and expense of his Funeral, beyond that of any English King since William the conquerors time.  
The deceased Protector had in his life time contracted a firm League both offensive and defensive with the King of Swetheland, which caused the now Protector his Son, upon the Swedes desires, to man out a great Fleet for his assistance, against the Dutch who aided the King of Denmark his enemy. Between forty and fifty sail of gallant Ships were sent forth under the command of the Lord Montague: this Fleet having spent near six months in the Sound, even to the time of the dissolution and annulling of that Power that set them forth, returned home having done nothing worth the mention.  
The Protector now to strengthen himself, by the advice of his Counsel calls a Parliament, and Writs are issued out for their appearance on the 27th of January 1658, whether they being accordingly convented, and having (according to custom) made choice of chaloner Chute, Esq; for Speaker of the House; the Protector the same day, attended by many of his Father's new made Nobles, went in state to Westminster, the Lord Cleypool bearing the Sword before him, where having heard a Sermon, he went in his formalities to the new Lords House, from whence he sent the Usher of the Black Rod, to acquaint the Parliament that he expected them; who being come to the bar, he made them the following Speech:  
My Lords and Gentlemen;  
I believe there are scarce any of you here, who expected some months since to have seen this great Assembly at this time, in this place in peace, considering the great and unexpected change which it hath pleased the all disposing hand of God to make in the midst of us. I can assure you, that if things had been according to our own fears and the hopes of our enemies, it had not been thus with us. And therefore it will become both you and me, in the first place to reverence and adore the great God, possessor of Heaven and earth, in whose hands our breath is, and whose are all our ways, because of his judgements, so to acknowledge his goodness to these Lands, in that he hath not added sorrow to sorrow, and made the period of his late Highness' life, and that of the Nations peace to have been in one day.  
Peace was one of the blessings of my Father's Government, a mercy after so long a Civil War, and in the midst of so great division which that war bred, is not usually afforded by God unto a people in so great measure.  
The Cause of God and these Nations which he engaged in, met in all the parts of it, as you well know, with many enemies and great opposition. The archers privily and openly sorely grieved him, and shot at him, yet his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob.  
As to himself, he died full of days, spent in great and sore travail, yet his eyes were not waxeddim, neither was his nature or strength abated; as it was said of Moses, he was serviceable even to the last.  
As to these Nations, he left them in great honour abroad, and in full peace at home, all England, Scotland, and Ireland dwelling safely, every man under his Vine and under his Figtree, from Dan unto Beersheba.  
He is gone to his rest, and we are entered into his labours; and if the Lord hath still a blessing for these Lands, (as I trust he hath) as our peace hath been lengthened out to this day, so shall we go on to reap the fruit, and gather the harvest, of what his late Highness hath sown, and laid the foundation of.  
For my own part being by the providence of God, and the disposition of the Law, my Father's Successor; and bearing that place in the Government that I do, I though it fit for the public good, to call a Parliament of the three Nations, now united and conjoined together into one Commonwealth, under one Government.  
It is agreeable not only to my trust, but to my principles, to govern these Nations by the advice of my two Houses of Parliament. I find it asserted in the humble Petition and Advice, (which is the corner stone of this building, and that which I shall adhere unto) that Parliaments are the great Counsel of the chief Magistrate, in whose advice both he and these Nations may be most safe and happy. I can assure you I have that esteem of them: And as I have made it the first Act of my Government to call you together; so shall I further let you see the value I have of you, by the answers that I shall return to the Advice that shall be given me by you, for the good of these Nations.  
You are come up from your several Countries, as the heads of your Tribes, and with hearts I persuade myself to consult together their good; I can say I meet you with the same desires, having nothing in my designs, but the maintenance of the Peace, Laws, Liberties both Civil and Christian of these Nations, which I shall always make the measure and rule of my Government, and be ready to spend my life for.  
We have summoned you at this time, to let you know the state of our affairs, and to have your advice in them, and I believe a Parliament was never summoned upon so important occasion.  
It is true as I have told you, we are through the goodness of God at this time in peace, but it is not thus with us because we have no enemies; there are enough both within us and without us, who would soon put an end to our peace, were it in their powers, or should it at any time come into their powers.  
It will be becoming of your wisdoms, to consider of the securing of our peace, against those who we all know are, and will be our implacable enemies; what the means of doing this are, I shall refer unto you.  
This I can assure you, that the Armies of England, Scotland and Ireland, are true and faithful to the peace and good interest of these Nations, and it will be found so, and that they are a consisting body and useful for any good ends; and if they were not the best Army in the world, you would have heard of inconveniencies by reason of the great arrear of pay which is now due unto them, whereby some of them are reduced to great necessities: but you shall have a particular account of their arrears, and I doubt not but some consideration will be had thereon in some speedy and effectual way. And this being matter of money, I recommend it particularly to the House of Commons.  
You have you know a war with Spain, carried on by the advice of Parliament: he is an old enemy, and therefore it will be necessary both for the honour and safety of these Nations, that the war be vigorously prosecuted.  
Furthermore, the constitution of Affairs in all our neighbour Countries and round about us (as well friends as enemies) are very considerable, and calls upon us to be upon our guard both at Land and Sea; and to be in a posture able to maintain and conserve our own interest.  
Great and powerful Fleets are preparing to be set forth into these seas, and considerable Armies of several Nations and Kings, are now disputing for the mastery of the Sound with the adjacent Islands and Countries, among which is the Roman Emperor, with other Popish States; I need not tell you of what consequence these things are to this State.  
We have already interposed in these affairs, in such manner as we found it necessary for the interest of England, and matters are yet in such a condition in those parts, that this State may, with the assistance of Gods provide, that their differences may not prejudice us.  
The other things that are to be said, I shall refer to my Lord Keeper Fines, and close up what I have to say, with only adding two or three particulars to what I have already said.  
And first I recommend to your care the people of God in these Nations with their concernments: the more they are divided among themselves, the greater prudence should be used to cement them.  
Secondly, The good and necessary work of Reformation both in manners and in the administration of Justice, that profaneness may be discountenanced and suppressed, and that Righteousness and Justice may be executed in the Land.  
Thirdly, I recommend to you the Protestant cause abroad, which seems at this time to be in some danger, having great and powerful enemies, and very few friends, and I hope and believe that the old English zeal to that Cause is still among us.  
Lastly my Lords, and you Gentlemen of the House of Commons, That you will in all your debates maintain and conserve love and unity among yourselves, that therein you may be the pattern of the Nation, who have sent you up in peace and with their prayers, that the spirit of wisdom and peace may be among you, and this shall also be my prayer for you, and to this let us all add our utmost endeavours for the making this a happy Parliament.  
This was the Protectors so much applauded Speech to his Parliament: which finisheed, the Lord Fines began, and after having enumerated the deceased Protectors great endeavours, etc. for the peace of the Nation, and his Highnesses following his steps in the calling of this present Parliament for the three Nations jointly, he recommended more effectually to them the wars abroad, and the probabilities of homebred disturbances, desiring their provision to maintain the one, and care to prevent the other: the Parliament having every one taken the Oath formerly taken by oliver's Parliament, not to alter the Government, were returned to their House, and the Protector to Whitehall.  
The House of Commons being returned to their House, spent muce time about the rectifying of their Elections, and expelling several Members out of the House (but causing others to be elected in their steads) under pretence of being Malignants, and having born Arms against the Parliament in behalf of their lawful Sovereign; and not only expelling them, but disabling them from being elected or chosen as Members of future Parliaments; so though this Parliament was esteemed one of the freest that had been called since 1641, yet it was not free indeed.  
The House having as far as they could rectified their Members and Elections, proceed to the calling to an account of all those who had been entrusted with the Customs, Excize, Taxes or other Revenue of the Commonwealth, and to consider of the present state of the Revenues, and some ways to pay the arrears of the Army, Navy, etc. and other Nationall Debts; but this business being put off, by delays never came to any effect.  
They likewise proceed to the drawing up of a Bill (for it never came to be either Act or Ordinance) which should be entitled, An Act of Recognition of his Highness right and Title to be Protector and Chief Magistrate of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, and the Dominions and Territories thereunto belonging. Many demurs were there in this debate, and several praevious Votes to be passed before this Bill could be committed; as whether the Parliament should consist of two Houses; and whether this House should transact with the Persons sitting in the other House, as a House of Parliament: This business took up a great deal of time; the Protectorians stood stiffly for it, and the Commonwealthsmen as stung against it, alleging, that to treat with those men as a House of Lords, was to enslave themselves more deeply than ever they had been before. That they should now by it clearly evince to the world their folly, perjury and villainy, that whilst they had taken their Oaths to be true and faithful to govern without a House composed of the Peers of the Nation, they should now both break their Oath, and subject themselves to such as were scarce Peers to the Commons: That if they did but consider the Creator of this House of Peers (as they were called,) they could not but foresee the necessary thraldom they must run themselves into, these being all such as were made sure to his interest, and were so many sure Votes for whatever arbitrary actions he might undertake; and if it were thought unlawful for the Bishops to sit in the House of Lords, because they were accounted so many sure voices for the King, how much more might these be excepted against, who were certainly so many sure voices for the Protectorall interest, being all created by it. Yet notwithstanding these Arguments, the Vote was at length carried on the Protectorian side, and Resolved, That the House of Commons would transact with the Persons then sitting in the other House as a House of Parliament, during the present Parliament: but with this Proviso, that it was not intended thereby to exclude such Peers as have been faithful to the Parliament, from their privilege of being duly summoned to be Members of that House.  
Whilst the Parliament are thus pursuing their Votes to settle the Protector in England, the French and Spaniard are endeavouring to conclude a Peace betwixt themselves, and to leave the English in the lurch; which howsoever, it then and ever since went vigorously on, yet are not the Conditions spoken of, performed on either side, to the full-consummating of it.  
During the Sessions of this Parliament, on the 24th of February, Mr George Strangways, formerly a Major in the King's Army, was pressed to death in the Press-yard in Newgate, for refusing to plead to his Indictment, for having caused his Brother-in-Law, one Mr Fussell an Attorney of Dortsetshire, to be shot in the head as he sat writing in his Chamber-window, of which he died. The magnanimity, nobleness and penitence of Major Strangways at his death, deserves this memory.  
This Parliament took into consideration the Cases of divers Persons who had been imprisoned in the time of the late deceased Protector; Maj. Gen. Overton is sent for out of the Isle of Jersey and released: The Duke of Buckingham is likewise released out of Windsor-Castle, upon the Lord Fairfax his giving 30000 security, that he shall demean himself peaceably for the future, and not join with, abet, or have any correspondence with the enemies of the Lord-Protector, or the Common wealth. Several other Persons of Quality were likewise by them released out of the Tower. Maj. Gen. Brown likewise who had by the long Parliament in 1649, been disabled from bearing any Offices in the City, is by them restored, and made capable of all Offices, privileges and precedencies there, and the long Parliaments Vote of the 4th of December 1649, made in his prejudice, vacated.  
The Quakers to promote their Turbulencies, on the 16th of April sent a Paper into the House, sealed and directed on the outside, For the Speaker of the Commons assembled in Parliament; these are for him to read to the Commons. The inside contained a Declaration, entitled, A Declaration to the Commons assembled in Parliament: Delivered the sixth day of the second Month called April 1659., to the then Speaker of the said House. This Declaration contained many ignominious scandals, thrown by those fanatics both upon the Magistracy and Ministry; for which the Parliament express their Resentment to the Declarers, requiring them to repair to their respective habitations, apply themselves to their callings, and submit themselves to the Laws of the Nation, and the Magistracy they lived under.  
But whilst we are talking of this crabbed sour generation, let me give an account of one passage of them in New-England. The Governor there being troubled with their disturbances, and abuses both of Magistracy and Ministry; made a Law for their banishment, that if any of them came thither again, they should at their first coming be whipped and sent away; at the second lose their Ears; but if they still persisted, their lives should be forfeit. According to this Law, some of them still being obstinate, notwithstanding they had been whipped at Boston, returned. Whereupon the Governor ordering their ears to be cut off according to Law, shortly after he received a Letter from one Humphrey Norton a Quaker, from about fifty Miles from Boston; which because of the horribly blasphemous curses in it, I shall insert the heads of. Thus he gins:  
Accursed are thy Rulers thou Town of Boston, for they are become the High Priests servants, and have cut off the Saints right Ears.  
Accursed are thy Teachers, for they are the troop of Robbers, which murder in the high way by consent.  
Accursed are thy people, who vote up and consent unto their actions of bloodshed, murder, and cruelty.  
Accursed is that Counsel, that sits to shed the blood of the innocent, as hath been done in thee.  
Accursed is thy Governor, who past the sentence against his own soul, he being forewarned in it by express words from me.  
Accursed is that Hangman that did it, as he is called so is his Name; he is servant to the Devil, one of his familiar spirits, (his Name in the Hebrew tongue is Abbadon) and his Master which first cast them into prison, and now hath caused him to cut off their Ears, must be bound in the Lake of oblivion for a thousand years; his Name there shall rot, and his posterity perish, etc. (and so he goes on in most horrid curses, and in the end)  
The curse of God light upon thee John Indicot; for my brethren and companions sake, the curse of God rest upon thee, thy deeds thou shalt answer for, as sure as ever thou consentedst to that deed, thou son of a Murderer.  
Lucifer thou cursed Bird, who darest attempt to say thou speakest from Heaven, get thee down into the lowest hot Lake, thou liar, for within the gates of Hell is thy habitation.  
This was the sum of his Letter, which was thus directed. Let this Letter be delivered with care to the hands of John Indicot, Governor of Boston so called: haste, hast, haste. But I have digressed too much, in discoursing thus long about this perverse generation.  
Let us now return to the Parliament, who had long been debating about the Writs issued out by the Protector, for Election of Members for Scotland and Ireland, to serve in this present Parliament. The debates hereon were the more long and tedious, in regard those two Nations had never yet by any Precedent, the liberty to have their Members sit in the English Parliament; but at length a Precedent was made, and it was resolved, that the Members that returned to serve for Scotlad and Ireland, should continue to sit as Members for that present Parliament.  
About this time happened a very sad accident at Barbadoes, the Town of St michael's being near wholly consumed with fire, to the great loss and utter undoing of most of the Inhabitants, besides the losses sustained by Merchants, who had goods in Warehouses on shore.  
But now about the latter end of March 1659., began the first sparks of discontent to break out, which afterwards burst into such a flame, that it consumed the Protectors greatness and Estate. The original cause of this distemper, there's very few, but those that effected it can tell; but the first appearance of it was in a representation presented on the 6th of April, by the Lord Fleetwood to his Highness, in behalf of the Army, the heads of which were as followeth.  
1. They pressed their urgent wants by reason of their Arrear-pay, and desired redress.  
2. They complained that they who had born the brunt of the War, were now derided and like to be laid by.  
3. That many Cavaliers were lately come out of Flanders, and had dangerous meetings in and about London.  
4. That the faithful servants of the Good Old Cause, were affronted by malignant and disaffected persons.  
5. That Lists of the actual Tryers of the late King printed in red letters, were scattered about, as if they were appointed for destruction.  
6. That Suits were commenced at common Law against many well affected persons, for things they had transacted as Soldiers.  
7. That the famous actions of the Long Parliament, and his late Highness in and since 1648, were vilified and evil spoken of.  
That all these Circumstances clearly evidenced a declension of the Good Old Cause, which they were resolved to assert; and therefore they desired that his Highness would be pleased to represent these things to the Parliament, and procure their remedies: And particularly, that he would recommend to them the present necessities of the Soldiers for want of pay, and that satisfaction might be given to the Militia-Forces.  
The Militia of the City of London took it very kindly, that the Army had been pleased to mention satisfaction to be made for the Militia-Forces, they therefore instigated by their chief worthy Commanders Tichborn and Ireton, draw up a representation, confirming their resolutions with the Army to stick to the Good Old Cause, which they likewise accompany with a Letter to the Lord Fleetwood, to be communicated to the general Counsel of the Officers of the Army, declaring their intentions to go along with them in whatever they should undertake, for the pretended good of the Nations.  
These Declarations and Remonstrances both of the Officers of the Army, and City-Militia, were foreseen by the Parliament to intent no good to them; they therefore in hopes to prevent them, vote that there should be no meeting or general Counsel of Officers, without consent and by Order of his Highness the Lord Protector; and that no person should have any Command either by Sea or Land in any of the three Nations, who should refuse to subscribe, that he will not disturb the free meetings in Parliament, of any the Members of either House of Parliament, or their Freedom in their debates and Counsels.  
The Protector himself was likewise fearful of these proceed, and meetings of the chief Officers of the Army; he therefore sends to them these Votes of the House: Whereupon on the 22 of April after they had sufficiently sought God by prayer, Desborow, Fleetwood, and other the chief Officers, with most of the Army at their heels, came to the Protector, and forced him to sign a Declaration and Commission, ready prepared for the dissolving the Parliament. The Commission was directed to the Lord Nathaneel Fines, Lord Keeper of the great Seal, who coming to the House of Lords, sent the Usher of the black Rod to the House to desire their attendance on the Lords, but they refused to give him entrance; but understanding there were Guards in Westminster-Hall, they thought it best to adjourn, which they did till the following Monday being the 25th of April, whereby they prevented both their formal and forceable dissolution.  
But the next day being the 23 of April, the Proclamation signed by his Highness the Lord Protector, for the dissolution of the Parliament, was published; the Contents of it were as followeth.  
By the Lord Protector. A Proclamation for dissolving the Parliament.  
Whereas we assembled our high Court of Parliament, to assemble and meet at our City of Westminster the 27th day of January last, which hath continued unto this present day: And whereas we did by our Commission under the great Seal of England, bearing date at Westminster this present 22 day of April, for divers weighty reasons declare our pleasure and resolution to dissolve the said Parliament; and to that end did thereby constitute and appoint our right trusty and right wellbelovod Counsellor Nathaneal Lord Fines, one of the Keepers of our great Seal of England, and others our Commissioners in our name, this said present 22 day of April, to dissolve our said Parliament, which was by them done according to the tenor of the said Commission in the usual place; and by virtue hereof our said Parliament is absolutey dissolved. Nevertheless we have thought it necessary by advice of our Privy Counsel, by this our Proclamation to publish and make known the same, to the end all Persons whom it may concern may take notice thereof.  
Given at Whitehall the 22 day of April, in the year of our Lord 1659.  
Yet notwithstanding this Proclamation, the Members on Monday the 25th of April repaired to the House according to the vote of adjournment, which they found guarded by red Coats, whose Officers told them, that they should not enter the House any more.  
With the dissolution of this Parliament, we may put a period to the short Reign of Richard Lord Protector, no further use being made of him; besides what a Declaration of the 25th of April, (commanding all Cavaliers and Papists to departed out of London) upon these present disturbances, did amount to.  
Behold the visible hand of God, that those very persons and Relations that Oliver had advanced into the highest places of trust, for securing his usurped power, are by the Almighty made instrumental to pull down and destroy that, which he had so perfidiouslly got by murder and hypocrisy.   

Various Revolutions of Government in 1659., 1660.  
BY the dissolution of the late Parliament, the power over the Nations is devolved into the hands of those who devolved it, they being then the only visible force (I will not say power) in these Nations, viz. the chief Officers of the Army, who first of all begin to model their own Family, which they did by cashiering those of the Protectorian faction (for some such there were in the Army) viz. Okey, Ingolsby and Goffe., and some others, into whose places and commands, they by their own authority put Lambert, Haslerig, Gbey, and such others as had been displaced by the late deceased Protector. These men considering that as they now stood, they had no visible form of a Civil Government, but their proceed in this manner would render them most odious to the common people, and in time ruin them; begin to think what Civil Power they might establish, which might be most concordant to their designs, and at last send for some of the members of that Parliamentary Juncto, which were dissolved by General Cromwell in 1653: to these they make motion of returning to the exercise of their trust, desiring them to inform the Speaker and the rest, of the Armies intentions. They all readily and willingly assent; but the Speaker makes some conscientious objections against their resitting, which notwithstanding (though I think they were never yet answered) he at length consents to their desires: whereupon the Army publish a large and specious Declaration, asserting their resolutions to stand steadfast to the Good Old Cause (as they called it) with repentance for their errors, and to that effect they conclude their Declaration to this purpose.  
That they amongst other things calling to mind that the long Parliament consisting of the Members, which continued their sitting until the 20th of April 1953, were eminent assertors of that Cause, and had a special presence of God with them, and were signally blessed in that work (the desires of many good people concurring with theirs therein,) they thought it their duty to invite the said Members to return to the exercise and discharge of their trust, as before the said 20th of April 1653.  
And therefore they did by this Declaration, earnestly desire the Parliament, consisting of those Members who continued to sit since the year 1648, unto the 20th of April 1653, to return to the exercise and discharge of their trust; that they should be ready in their places to yield them their utmost assistance to sit in safety, for the improving present opportunity for settling and securing the peace and quiet of this Commonwealth, praying for the presence and blessing of God upon their endeavours.  
This Declaration published, there were several Articles agreed upon, between the Officers of the Army, and several Members of the then to be restored part of a Parliament; which accorded to and signed, on the next day being the 7th of May 1659., they convented together in the Painted-Chamber, where those Members appointed to meet being all present, forty two in number: the Speaker with the Mace carried before him, and followed by the rest, went into the House and took their places.  
Upon notice that those men had taken their places in the House as a Parliament, several of the Members secluded in 1648, (there being double the number of them in the City) came into the Hall, and agreed that some persons of their number should go up to the House, to try whether they could find admittance. The persons appointed to go up were Mr Ansley, Sr George Booth, Mr William Pryn, Mr James Herbert, Mr George Montague, Sr John Eveling, Mr Eveling, Mr Knightly, Mr Gewen, Mr John Herbert, Mr Perk, Mr Hungerford, Mr Hearty, and Mr Clive; these according to the desire of the rest went up, but found restraint upon the House, so that with much ado they prevailed to get into the Lobby; but here they were opposed by Lieutenant Colonel Allen, though they earnestly disputed the undoubted right they had to sit in the House as well as the others; but no reasons could prevail.  
Yet on Monday May 9th, Mr Ansley, Mr Pryn, and Mr Hungerford, understanding that there were no guards upon the House, went to Westminster-Hall and found admittance without any opposition at first, though afterward when Mr Ansley went forth to acquaint those secluded Members, which attended their success in the Hall, of their admittance, endeavouring to enter again, he and some others with him were forcibly kept back by Captain Lewson of Coll. Goffs Regiment. However Mr Pryn continued there, and disputed highly with the Juncto, of the privilege which he and the rest of the secluded Members had to sit, which only a little disturbed, and made them (who were loath to hear right disputed) adjourn till the afternoon; when Mr Pryn attempting again to enter, was impeded by a Troop of Horse and two Companies of Foot, which were there ready to guard this piece of a Parliament, against those whom they pretended were intruders.  
And thus this Parliament sat in quiet among themselves, and to the end they might be no further disturbed, voted, That all persons heretofore Members of that Parliament, which had not sat in this Parliament since the year 1648, nor had subscribed the Engagement in the Roll of Engagement of this House, should not sit in the House till further order of the Parliament.  
They likewise published a Declaration, wherein after a large and specious Preamble, they declared; That they were resolved (through the gracious assistance of God) to apply themselves to the faithful discharge of the trust imposed in them, and to endeavour the settlement of this Commonwealth upon such a foundation, as may assert, establish and secure the properties and liberties of the people in reference to all, both as men, and as Christians, and that without a single Person, Kingship or House of Peers; and that they should vigorously endeavour the carrying on of Reformation so much desired, and so often declared for; to the end there might be a godly and faithful Magistracy and Ministry upheld and maintained in these Nations, to the glory and praise of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the reviving and making glad the hearts of the upright in the Land. By such fair pretences did they begin to gull the people.  
And immediately, because they could not have time as yet to appoint a Counsel of State, (the usual dependant of a Parliament since 1648,) they for the present erect a Committee of Safety, consisting of Fleetwood, Haslerig, Vane, Ludlow, Sydenham, Salway, John Jones, Lambert, Desbrough, Berry and Scot In imitation of this was that Committee of Safety I suppose erected afterwards by the Army. But the Counsel of State being shortly after nominated, whatever power they had, was void, though 'tis true most of the forementioned were members of it.  
The Great Seal of England made by the Protectors is likewise by them broken, and the old Seal used by the Parliament in 1651, voted to be the Seal of the House, and no other. Easter Term is also by them adjourned, to the great discontent of many persons, who had then suits depending against many Members, especially against Vane and Haslerig.  
This Parliament now thinking themselves fixed in their authority, begin to bustle strongly, but especially they take care to please the Army who had made them a Parliament, which they do by passing Votes, That effectual care be taken for satisfying their arrears, and paying them their pay in due order for the future.  
At this Parliaments reentrance into the Supreme Government of these Nations, there happened a sad accident in the Town and Corporation of Southwould or Soulbay in the County of Suffolk, where near 230 dwelling-Houses were wholly consumed with fire; all which was but a spark to the fire might have been kindled in this State, had they continued in power.  
The Army likewise at this time put up a Remonstratory Petition to this Parliament, wherein they desired several things, as they pretended, towards the settlement of the Nation; to which the Parliament gave them these contentive answers, for they durst indeed do no otherwise.  
1. That the liberty of the persons, and property of the Estates of the free people of these Nations, should be preserved inviolable according to Law, under the Government of a free State or Commonwealth, without a single Person, Kingship, or House of Peers.  
2. That there should be a just and due regulation of the Law.  
3. That all persons who professed one God in Trinity, and acknowledged the Scriptures, should have liberty of conscience, provided it extended not to Popery or Prelacy.  
4. That a godly and faithful Gospell-Preaching-Ministry should be encouraged.  
5. That all Universities and Schools of learning should be countenanced and reform.  
6. That none but men of approved godliness, and whose interests suited with the Good Old Cause, should be admitted to employments in State.  
7. That an Act should be made for confirmation of the sales of all Kings, Queens, Princes, Archbishops, Bishops, Deans, and Chapters Lands.  
Thus they endeavour to please the Army by complying with their desires.  
Yet notwithstanding the fickle establishment of this House, the States of Holland court them by their Ambassador, who on the 24th of May had audience in the House; but perhaps those States might have more reason to do so then others, these being the men who first began that War with them, which almost totally ruined them.  
And now on the 25th of May, Richard Cromwell Esq; late Lord Protector of these three Nations, makes a free resignation of that Government to the Parliament, which the Army had before taken away without his leave or consent. His resignation or rather submission ran thus:  
I have perused the Declaration and Resolve you were pleased to deliver me the other Night; and for your information, touching what is mentioned in the said Resolve, I have caused a true state of my Debts to be transcribed and annexed to this Paper, which will show what they are and how they were contracted.  
As to that part of the Resolve whereby the Committee are to inform themselves, how far I do acquiesce in the Government of this Commonwealth, as it is declared by this Parliament: I trust. my past carriage hitherto hath manifested my acquiescence in the will and good pleasure of God, and that I love and value the peace of this Commonwealth, much above my own concernments; and I desire that by this, a measure of my future deportment may be taken, which by the assistance of God shall be such as shall bear the same witness, having I hope in some degree learned rather to reverence, and submit to the hand of God, then be unquiet under it. And (as to the late providences that have fallen out amongst us) however in respect to the particular engagements that lay upon me, I could not be active in making a change in the Government of these Nations; yet through the goodness of God I can freely acquiesce in it being made, and do hold myself obliged (as with other men) I expect protection from the present Government, so to demean my self with all peaceableness under it, and to procure to the uttermost of my power, that all in whom I have interest do the same.  
Thus he who was lately Protector of these three Nations, craved protection from his Quondam Subjects; and thus easily did he resign those three Kingdoms, which his Father had got with so much hazard of his body, if not of his soul.  
His Brother also Henry Cromwell, late Lord Lieutenant in't Ireland, upon the Parliaments advice surrendered his Government; and Colonel John Jones, William Steel Esquire, Colonel Matthew Thomlinson, Robert Goodwin, and Miles Corbett Esquire, were in his stead appointed by the Parliament, to be Commissioners for the Government of Ireland.  
In Scotland General Monk though he resigns not up his Government to the Parliament, yet holds a fair correspóndency with them, and by his and the rest of the Officers of his Armies, declare and keep a compliance to their Government, which he punctually performed. The Parliament endeavouring still more and more to oblige the Army, pass an Act of oblivion and indemnity for all force or violence formerly put upon the House; yet nevertheless to restrain them for the future, the Commissions are issued out by the Speaker in the Name of the Parliament, and not by a General as formerly.  
Yet the Parliament take so much care to perform their promises to them, that they order the immediate sale of Whitehall, Hampton-Court, and Sommerset-House, towards the present payment of some of the Army's Arrears.  
About this time on the 11th of July 1659., happened a strange kind of Tumult in or about Enfield, some part of the Chase which formerly lay common, and was the chiefest stay and support of the Country people thereabouts, for the feeding of their Catttle, from whence proceeded the chief support and maintenance of themselves and Families; being by the Parliament given to some of the Soldiers for their arrears, was by them built upon, and euclosed; which so incensed the poor of the Country, whose Families were almost ready to starve for want of such relief, that notwithstanding Soldiers were sent to secure those Grounds, the common people made a head, fell upon the Soldiers, took nine of them prisoners, threw down a Barn, and leveled the enclosures.  
The Parliament upon audience given to an extraordinary Ambassador of the King of Sweden, appointed three persons to go over as Plenipotentiaries to Coppenhaguen, to treat of such a reconciliation between the two Kings of Swedeland and Denmark, as might best stand with the interest of England; but their Ambassage hath as yet produced no considerable effect.  
And now further to secure themselves in those designs they had in hand here, they banish all Cavaliers, under the stile of Malignants, from London, and twenty Miles about; and pass an Act for the settlement of the Militia, in the respective Cities and Countries of England, and Wales.  
But though this Parliament had taken away the Government of these three Nations from Richard Cromwell, yet they are so kind to him, as to protect him from all arrests, and take care for the payment of his Debts, which amounted to 29640; and besides order him 20000 per annum for his life, out of the Common-weal his Lands; as much of which 'tis probable he received, as his Creditors did of what was owing to them.  
And now the Parliament discover a female-Plot of the shee-Cavaliers, for the subverting of their Government; the Lady Mary Howard Daughter to the Earl of Berkshire, and one Mrs Sumner are committed to the Tower, upon pretence of being pryers to a horrible terrible design against the Government, upon whose Examinations all the Horses about Town are taken. Sr Ernestus Byrom and others committed to prison.  
But now somewhat gins to appear, several Troops of Horse are sent into Kent and Surry, to prevent infurrections there; where they take several Cavaliers, to bring them up to London. Major General Massey being likewise in Glocestershire, endeavouring as it was pretended to raise Forces there for the King, was surprised by a Troop of Horse, who for the better securing him, set up a Trooper behind him, with whom coming down a Hill, the Horse stumbled and fell, and the night being dark, and Massey nimble legged, escaped from them into the Wood  
The Parliament now begin to discover the reason of the buying up of so many Arms in London; for Sr George Booth, Sr Thomas Middleton, and some others of the secluded Members, having got a considerable quantity of Arms, raised a Party in Cheshire, Flintshire, and Lancashire, to the number of between three and four thousand men; and declare for a Free Parliament, and the due rights and privileges of the Nation, against that Fanatic and unlawful power, which now usurped dominion over them. With these they rendezvows at Routon-Heath; and from thence march to Manchester, endeavouring to augment their Party; Colonel Ireland in Lancashire, and Governor of the Cattle of Leverpool, promising them what aid and assistance he could, though he never performed it.  
This great rising at first startled the Parliament, who immediately dispatch the Lord Lambert with three Regiments of Horse, one of Dragoons, and three of Foot, to march with all possible haste to suppress them; whilst several Parties which endeavoured to rise in other Counties, are prevented either by the Militia, or the Parliaments Forces.  
But Sr George Booths number daily increases somewhat, by the confluence of the Gentry of those parts unto him; so that he made up a very gallant body of Horse. He sends his Letters and Declarations up to London, inviting them to join with him to maintain their privileges, and redeem themselves from the slavery they were now in: But all proved ineffectual, that great City being overawed by a small Party of the Parliaments Forces.  
In the mean time Lambert makes a speedy march towards them; two Regiments, the one of Horse, the other of Foot, are by Order of Parliament sent out of Ireland, under the Command of Colonel Axtill, Colonel Hierom Zankey, who join with Lambert near Nantwich, notwithstanding some endeavours of Sr George Booths Party to hinder their conjunction; and on the 16th of August the Army faced one another, the one on one side the River, the other on the other.  
Hereupon Sr George Booth sends a Trumpet to Lambert, to tell him the reasons of his taking up of Arms; and desiring, that to avoid shedding of blood, some persons might be appointed to confer in order to a Treaty. But Lambert returns him a short answer; telling him, that the readiest way to avoid shedding of blood, was for them to lay down their Arms, and surrender Chester and other Strengths; which if they refused to do, that he was sent to reduce them to their due obedience, which by the help of God he did not doubt but to do. Hereupon the next morning Lambert's Army advanced towards Nantwich-Bridge, which was kept by a Party of Sr George Booths. Sr George's Horse and Foot were drawn upin Battalia in a Meadow just below the Bridge. Lambert seeing that he could not draw his enemy out of his advantage, resolved to beat him out; and thereupon commands a stout Party of Foot to assault those which kept the Bridge, which they did with a great deal of courage and resolution, and were as stoutly resisted on the other side, sometimes one gaining the advantage, and sometimes the other; till at length Sr George Booths Party giving back, made way for all Lambert's Army to get over, who immediately fell upon Sr Georges Foot, and put them to the retreat, but with little execution, by reason of the enclosures, which gave them liberty to make good their retreat from hedge to hedge. The Horse then on both sides charged likewise with good courage and resolution, but the Cheshire men being overpoured, turned their backs; and after a quarter of a Miles consused retreat, rallied again, but were presently routed: And so both Horse and Foot betook themselves to flight. The Foot by reason of the enclosures made their escape; and the Horse dividing fled some towards Chester, and others towards Warrington, whither they were pursued by Lambert's victorious Cavalry; who notwithstanding could proceed no further, the Town being garrisoned with four Companies of Foot, and a Troop of Horse of Sr Georges Party.  
In the time of the fight there were left in Nantwich two Companies of Foot, and two Troops of Horse of the Cheshire Forces, who were immediately forced to fly towards Manchester, where they dissipated themselves. The grand Body of the Cheshire men being thus broken, the remainder of them quickly surrendered themselves; and Chester itself seeing no hopes of relief, should they stand out, submitted themselves immediately to Lambert's mercy, whose example all other places likewise followed.  
The number of the slain in the late action was not great; but there was scarce any person of quality, who either before or after the Fight became not Lambert's prisoners. Sir George Booth seeing all things thus lost, and himself reduced to the extremity of saving himself by flight, left Chester in disguise, with intentions to come up to London, the better to make his escape; but by the permission of Almighty God, this noble Gentleman (who when all the Nation almost was buried in a slavish lethargy, did endeavour to rouse them out of their sleepy slavery) was discovered at Newport Paynell in Bedfordshire, and fell into the power of his merciless and tyrannical enemies, by whom he was committed prisoner to the Tower of London.  
As soon as they had thus got him into their power, they send two of their chiefest bloodhounds, Sr Henry Vane and Sr Arthur Haslerig, to draw what they could by his Examination; but he notwithstanding their reiterated threats of death and Scaffolds, and the scandalous report of perfidious friends, and malicious enemies, with undaunted courage refused either to excuse himself, or accuse others by a pusillanimous confession.  
The Parliament being now overjoyed with their success, immediately in token of their favour and thankfulness, order a thousand pounds, as a remuneration of lambert's so signal service, to be immediately sent him; but he having other designs in his head, than tended merely to the advancement of their interest, presently distributes to his Soldiery, with high carouses for their worthy deserts of it.  
The attempts which were made in other parts of the Kingdom, to have risen at the same with Sr George Booth, being all of them nipped in the bud, deserve nothing else but silence: Though there were divers worthy and eminent persons engaged in them, who deserved the thanks and praise of their Country, for those their willing (though fruitless) endeavours.  
The Parliament had (whilst Lambert is fight their enemies) in the mean time taken care for dividing the spoil, and prepared an Act for Sequestrations, which now they immediately pass, and appoint Commissioners for the prosecution of it, by which they intended the utter ruining of most of the Nobility and Gentry of the Nation, that so they might render them incapable for the future of making head against their arbitrary usurpation. And this Act was to continue to the first of May 1660, a day which it pleased God to ordain to a better use, and another manner of termination for their tyranny, than these notorious Traitors had intended.  
The next thing they do, is to endeavour the extinction of those small sparks, which seemed to remain of the late insurrection. And to this end they put out a Proclamation against John Mordent Esq; Son to the Earl of Peterborough, Major General Massey, the Earl of Litchfield, Sr William Compton, Thomas Fanshaw Esq; and Major General Brown; and declared the reward of a hundred pounds, to whomsoever should apprehend any of the said persons; some of which rendered themselves to the Counsel.  
The House about this time having now lost the affections of the whole Nation besides, that they might the better engage the Schismatics, order the release of James Nailor out of Bridewell, to the great satisfaction of the Quakers and fanatics, upon whom they now chief relied.  
And now the Parliament thinking the longer keeping up the Militiaes' of the Counties, to be both useless and dangerous, order their disbanding; which whether it was promoted by some friends of lambert's in the House, is very uncertain; but the consequence shown it very much conducing to his succeeding designs.  
For now Lambert having finished his work in Cheshire, was advancing towards London, but all the way had by Agents under hand so tampered with the Army, as might render them ready for his devotion and interest. To which purpose a Paper is promoted amongst them, entitled, The humble Petition and proposals of the Army, under the Command of the Right Honourable the Lord Lambert, in the late Northern expedition: in which they expostulate their deserts and affection to the Parliament; and desire that the Command of the Army might be under the Command of Fleetwood, as Captain General; Lambert, Major General, etc. This was sent up to London to Colonel Ashfield, Cobbet, and Lientenant Colonel Duckenfield, to be by them presented to Fleetwood, and by him to the House. The forementioned persons acquaint Fleetwood with it; and he for the better promoting of it, desires a Conference with Sr Arthur Haslerig, and Sr Henry Vane, in order to its presentation to the Parliament; but Sr Arthur immediately informs the Parliament of the Paper (as he said) of most dangerous consequence. Whereupon they presently order that the said three persons, or one of them in whose hands it was, should immediately bring in the original Copy, which was by one put off to the other, and so not to be found amongst them. But the Officers of the Army immediately meet in Counsel, in order to the drawing up of a Remonstrance of their submission to the Parliament, and disclaiming the said proposal. The Parliament having thereupon passed a Vote, That the having of more General Officers, was a thing needless, chargeable, and dangerous to the Commonwealth.  
Whilst the Officers are thus meeting, seemingly in order to their quiet submission to the Parliaments resolves, the House had ordered a day of Thanksgiving for their Cheshire-victory, on which together with the Counsel of State, and the Officers of the Army, they dined together with the Lord Mayor, aldermans, and Common-counsel at Grocers-Hall.  
They now put out an Additionall Act for Sequestrations, intending that the severity of their arbitrary justice should provide them with rewards for the present, and security for the future.  
And now comes out the humble Representation and Petition of the Army; wherein though they seemingly professed all obedience, yet they tacitly harped upon the former string, and drove at the maintaining their own power, in opposition to the Houses interest. This was tediously discussed in the House, and every particular exactly scanned: some of which the Parliament utterly disliking, as tending to the overthrow of their Power; and perceiving the Army still to go on in their clandestine designs, they resolve to make provision against them. And the Army seeing their resolution, proceed vigorously likewise, though privately, yet they put out the former Representation in Print, and endeavour as much as they could to increase the number of the Subscribers. The Parliament on the other side, to cut off all hopes as they thought of the Army's subsistence, except in and by them, and so prevent their designs, pass an Act, that it should be treason in all persons whatsoever, to raise, levy, or collect Money without consent of Parliament; and likewise make void the Acts for Custom and Excize; that if the Army should proceed in their designs, they might be cut off from maintenance. This being thus ordered, they likewise vote the Commissions of those nine notorious Worthies, and so infamous Patriots of their Country, and promoters of its good and settlement, the contrary way, viz: Lambert, Desborough, Berry, Kelsey, Ashfield, Cobbet, Creed, Packer, and Barrow, to be null and void, and disposed their Regiments otherwise; and likewise order the Government of the Army to be by seven Commissioners, in whom the power should jointly reside; these were Fleetwood, Ludlow, General Monk, Haslerig, Walton, Morley, and Overton, thinking hereby to cure this hot distemper, and reduce them to obedience.  
But whilst they are thus quick and nimble in their resolutions, Lambert and the rest of his complices are not behind them in diligence; but having strengthened their Party as much as time would give leave, and drawn as many of the Soldiery as they could from the obedience of the Parliament, resolve once more to put an end to their sitting, and rather turn them out of doors, then sit down quietly with the loss of their Commissions.  
The Parliament having over night notice of what was intended the day following, had given order for the drawing of what Forces were yet faithful to them to Westminster; in order to the guarding them the next day. Colonel Mosses and Colonel Morleys' Regiments immediately obeyed their Commands, and repaired to the Palace-yard in the night, and early in the morning; but Lambert having gathered the rest of the Army together, did immediately there surround them, stopping all the avenues, so that there was no hopes of any more assistance: and whilst they were thus in opposition, the Speaker was by Major Creed turned back again, and not suffered to pass to the House; and at last both parties having stood almost all the day at bay, were on a sudden reconciled, with mutual resolution to advance a Lambertonian faction.  
Lambert having thus overmastered his Masters, and dismissed them from their Power and Authority, upon consultation with his fellow-Worthies, calls a Counsel of Officers, who immediately post away Colonel Barrow for Ireland, and Colonel Cobbet for Scotland, to win the Armies there, if possible, to a compliance with their actions.  
And that these might be thought Devils, which did believe and tremble, they order a Day of Humiliation, intending to mock God, that they might, according to the custom of their Predecessors, with greater ease and secrecy gull the people.  
They proceed in the next place to the settlement of the Army, and make choice of Fleetwood for Captain General, or rather stalking-horse to Lambert's all-commanding power; Lambert Major General, and Disbrow Commissary General of the horse; and appoint a Committee for nomination of Officers, in the rooms of those, who for their taking part with the Parliament against them, they had discarded.  
Having in some sort settled their military Power, that they might not be seen to do what they really intended, that is, to rule by the Sword alone, they make out a kind of spurious Oligarchy, or rather Anarchy, in whose Power without more ado, they put the Laws, Lives and Liberty of the English. This they call a Committee of Safety; which, how it deserves the name, I will leave the Reader to judge, giving him the names of the members thereof, men either of lunatic and crack-brained principles, as having been all along the grandest ringleaders of the Sectaries; or such, whose ambitious spirits would terminate no no where, but in the slavery and ruin of their native Country, most of which was engaged in the horrid murder of their lawful Sovereign. But let Posterity know and detest their memory.  

Charles Fleetwood General.  
John Lambert Major General.  
John Disbrow Commissary General.  
Lord Chancellor Steel.  
Bulstrode Whitlock.  
Sr Henry Vane.  
Lt General Ludlow.  
Col. Sydenham.  
Major Salway.  
Lord Strickland.  
Col. Berry.  
— Laurence.  
Sr James Harrington.  
Sr Archibald Johnston, alias Lord Wareston.  
John Ireton Ld Mayor.  
Robert Titchburn Ald.  
Henry Brandrith.  
Robert Thompson.  
Col. Hewson.  
Col. Clerk.  
Col. Lilburne.  
Col. Bennet.  
Cornelius Holland.   
A happy case was the Nation like to be in, when such a crew of mechanical and fanatical persons (excepting two or three) was to have the Command of its Sword and Laws. These are the men, who now must model our Government, and bring us into a free and equal Commonwealth; alias, the most intolerable of all bondages and slaveries.  
But whilst they go on thus jocundly in their proceed, conceiving now all was their own, and that the Government would be perpetuated to the Saints and their children; there comes a Letter from General Monck out of Scotland, declaring the dis-satisfaction of himself, and several Officers to their proceed; this awakes the worm of their consciences, though for the present they take no public notice of it.  
But that they might give their former actions the best gloss they can, they put out a Declaration, showing the reason of their late transactions, and highly rail against the injustice and arbitrary Power of the Parliament, who without any reason given, would have turned away their good servant Lambert, and his associates, which might have made such a precedent, as must have laid the Officers of the Army at the feet and mercy of the Parliament at pleasure; to prevent which, and other inconveniences, they thought good to dissolve them; and did likewise declare their late hasty and irregular Acts against levying of money, and for governing the Army by Commissioners; acts which tended absolutely to the ruin of the Army, and so consequently (as they said) to the destruction and confusion of the Nation, to be null and void.   

THE Renowned Actions OF General MONCK, The true Politician, 1659., 1660.  
BUt now the noble General Monck (a man of other principles then to join hand in hand with a company of such perfidious Traitors) is not idle; he seizes upon, and secures such Officers of the Army there, as he knew any ways inclining to such dangerous attempts, and presently possessed himself of Barwick, and other places of strength, committing all the suspected persons prisoners, first to Tyntalian-Castle, and afterwards to the Basse-Island.  
This news extremely startles our Reformadoes, and make them begin to look about them; and to think what way they might either compose the differences, or reduce them to reason by force of Arms. But they are resolved to use all means, to compass both Land and Sea to make him a proselyte; and to this purpose, in hopes to win him by fair means, they send down his brother-in-law Dr Claerges, with Colonel Talbot to mediate with him, their former agent Colonel Cobbet having found no better reception than the prison of Edinburgh Castle.  
Nay, and lest these two should not have power enough to prevail, they order after them Commissary General Whaley and Colonel Goffe., both formerly grand Protectorians, and with Mr Caryl, and Mr Barker, two Independent Parsons, that so he might have all argument alleged to him, which either the Sword or the Spirit could furnish them withal.  
Whilst these are on their journey, Major General Morgan, a man too honest for such knavish association, takes his journey out of Yorkshire to General Monck, with whom he hath demonstrated himself a good help to the restoration of his King and Country.  
General Monck having new modelled his Army in Scotland, and weeded those noxious plants, which by their infection must needs have given poison in stead of nutriment, resolves to advance towards the Borders, taking Oath in the mean time of the Nobility and Gentry of Scotland, an Assembly of whom he convened to acquiesce themselves, and likewise endeavour to keep all others in quiet in the time of his absence from them.  
The aforesaid Commissioners of the Army coming to him, he received them with all demonstrations of civility, and professed his readiness to join with the Army in England, provided they would restore the Parliament to its due Rights and Privileges; and that then he would use his utmost endeavours for the composing of differences, and obtaining an Act of Pardon and Oblivion for all in general. But that they might see in the mean time, how unwilling he was to be any cause of bloodshedding, and to avoid bringing a war into his native Country, which though raised for the defence of it, must needs be its ruin and destruction; he had ordered three Commissioners, viz. Colonel Wilkes, Lieutenant Col. Clobery and Major Knight to go up to London, and if possible to make a fair end of the Controversy. And this signified to the Officers at London by their Commissioners there.  
This was the way of their endeavours by peace; but lest this should prove ineffectual to to reduce him, they had prepared for War likewise. Lambert was already on his march thither, with all the strength of the Army both Horse and Foot, in so numerous a body, that in all probability, had they had to do with a person less wise and prudent than this noble General, they would quickly have consummated their own victory and his, and this Nation's ruin.  
They likewise upon Lambert's departure, had ordered and chosen new Commissioners for the Militia in London, picking out such persons for the most part, whose schismatical principles, or else former notorious crimes, were like to make them stick surest to so bad compartners; and into these men's power, they put the whole Command of the City.  
Lambert being already advanced Northward, coming into Yorkshire, doth there join with the Irish Brigade, and those forces under the Command of Colonel Lilburne; and whilst every body expected that a sudden fight would make a decision of the controversy; General Monck by extraordinary prudence keeps off at swords point with fair words, and as we may truly say pious fraud deceives this so grand juggler and deceiver.  
The Commissioners of General Monck, which we aforementioned, were now arrived at London, and by the appointment of the Counsel of Officers, persons were ordered to treat with them, who after several debates, brought businesses almost to a period, by the fault of Colonel Wilks, who transcended the bounds of his Commission, and for his pains was upon his return justly imprisoned by the General. By his simplicity I say, things were brought to a result or agreement, the heads whereof were these.  
The utter renouncing of Charles Stuart, or any other claiming from that Family.  
The Government to be by a Free-State, and not King, single Person, or House of Lords.  
That a godly and learned Ministry be maintained and encouraged.  
The Universities to be reform and countenanced, so as to become the Nurseries of Piety and Learning.  
That the Officers and Soldiers, and other Persons on either side be indemnified for what is past, touching their late differences, and that all unkindnesses betwixt them be buried in oblivion.  
The Officers prisoners in Scotland to be set at liberty.  
The Armies on both sides presently to departed to their respective Quarters.  
And lastly, That there be a Committee of nineteen, consisting of five persons for England, and five for Scotland (not Members of the Army) and three for England, three for Scotland, and three for Ireland; all of which, except one, are Members of the Army; and of these nineteen nine shall be a Quorum, and are to meet to determine and conclude what is necessary for the Qualifications of Parliaments, etc.  
This is part of that Agreement which was pretended to be made between the Army here, and the Commissioners of the Lord General Monck, which because it did prove vain and abortive, deserves no further particular mention.  
About this time several designs of the Rump to restore themselves to their former power, began to be glimmeringly perceived. Colonel Morley, and several other Officers of the Army making protests against the present proceed.  
But the Committee of Safety perceiving the danger their new Government was in of being stifled in the birth, and finding City and Country to be generally disaffected with them, except those who were of schismatical principles, do order Commissions to be issued out for raising several Foot-Regiments of these throughout the Nation, under the notion of the well-affected. And that they might seem to have conquered some difficulties, they daily by their Pamphleteer, publish the best of their own Condition, and produce Letters from Ireland of Novemb. 10th, 1659. wherein they declare the Armies in Ireland non-approbation of the actions of General Monck, and their free concurrence with their Brethren in England. But as this was only a pretence from some persons there equally interessed with themselves in the late irregular actions, so did it suddenly after vanish into nothing; the generality there under Sir Hardresse Waller perfectly declaring for their enemies the Rump.  
But here I must make some short digression. For this Month it pleased God that that monster of men, and unparallelled murderer Bradshaw died in his bed; a man whom I need not much defile my pen to set forth, since that very name doth now, and will to eternity contain, all that is matter of shame and detestation to the English Nation; and yet it pleased the wise God to suffer him on the 22th of this November, to be laid quietly in his grave; who may, according to the judgement of some men have deserved better to be buried alive in the entrails of dogs, then to have enjoyed the benefit of Christian Funerals; but we are not to censure the pleasure of Divine Providence.  
On the 23th of this Month Lambert arrived at Newcastle, where he found several discarded Officers to be come from General Monck, which though they cried up at London, as a weakening of his party, yet they found it by experience to be a wise strengthening of his interest, by ridding himself of those, which he knew neither could, nor would be true to any sober designs.  
Now were Letters from General Monck, sent to the Common Counsel of London, and delivered to them by Colonel Markham, and Colonel Atkin, which containing things directly in opposition to what the Committee of Safety had flattered their party and the people withal, were by them given out to be forged, and thereupon they ordered the confinement of the two  persons.  
But in this interim the Parliament (which as I said before the General had summoned) in Scotland were assembled, to whom he delivers his sentiments of the present posture of affairs, which terminated in these three Propositions.  
First, That he having a call from God and man, to march into England for resetling the Parliament, they would, during his absence, which would not be long, preserve the peace of that Nation.  
Secondly, That if any troubles should arise, they would assist him in suppressing them.  
Thirdly, That they would raise him some money.  
To which Propositions the sum of their answers, was briefly thus.  
First, That they could not engage to preserve the Peace of the Country, wanting Arms, but should notwithstanding use their endeavours.  
Secondly, They were incapable to answer his desires; and besides thought it imprudent and inconvenient, to engage in a War, whereof the success was dubious, and the advantage to them uncertain, and not intelligible.  
Thirdly, They were content to levy him twelve month's assessment.  
Though in the two first they did not quadrate their answer to the affirmative of his Propositions, yet in this last (I suppose) they satisfied the whole of his intentions, it being that which he chief stood in need of, for carrying on the great work he had in hand. whilst Gen. Monck is thus vigorously providing against them in the North, they are not less violently attached, by discontents of the people at London, and open force more Southward. At London the Apprentices, whose tumultuary Assemblies, and confused Petitions had been instrumental to the first disturbances, 1640. begin now to recollect their spirits, and (as was thought) abetted by some considerable persons, resolve to petition the Heads of the City, to endeavour the restitution of them, and the whole Nation to their due Rights and Privileges by a Free Parliament. The noise of this extremely startles the Army and Committee of Safety; so that they endeavour all means of prevention; and to this purpose they publish a Proclamation against it, and send their forces into the City, on the day whereon they heard it was resolved to be presented to the Common Counsel; where notwithstanding the violence, and other high misdemeanours committed by Hewson the Commander of the Soldiers, yet the Petition was by six noble spirited Apprentices presented to the Common Counsel, and the thanks of it returned to them for it.  
Several other Petitions and endeavours were promoted likewise in order for a Free Parliament; not was the Designers for the Rump less active, but sat daily in consultation for the undermining the present Usurpers, but their designs in London came to no head; but on the fifth of December news arrived of the appearance of the grand Heads of them at Portsmouth, whether Morley and Hasilrig were arrived; and the Governor Colonel Whetham sided with them, and immediately secured Captain Brown, Captain Peacocke, and such other Officers of the Garrison, as they knew were principled contradictorily to that interest. These in power here, though they had little hopes to cope with so many adversaries, yet immediately order a Body of Horse and Foot that way, if possible, to blow the storm over, and reduce that revolting Garrison.  
Major Cadwell was the first that with a party of Horse marched towards them; but he was no sooner going that way, but part of his Forces desert him, and took part with the contrary faction.  
But this was not all the misery that attended them; they had an enemy nearer home to deal withal, the City was to the height discontented, and having recovered some part of its former vigour, resolved no longer to be fooled. The Common Counsel met daily, and their results produced nothing but was heterodox to the Army interest, who finding all their threats and force to be now of no effect, resolve to see what they can do by treaty, and whither or no they could still these neighbour storms by fair and gilded promises. The Common Counsel elected a Committee of worthy and eminent Citizens to confer with them, esteeming them not worthy any other owning, or any way deserving the acknowledgement of an Authority. With these Fleetwood, and the rest of the Grandees had a conference, and that they might to the vulgar give them some seeming satisfaction, they are willing to condescend to these particulars.  
That a Parliament shall be called and appointed to sit down at or before the first of February next.  
That the said Parliament shall be according to such qualifications as are, or should be agreed upon, and may best secure the just Rights, Liberties and Privileges both Civil and Religious of the people of this Commonwealth.  
This they thought enough to stop the mouth of the City for the present, intending what performance or after-termes themselves pleased; but their endeavours remained fruitless, the City keeping still the same face of discontent.  
But upon the neck of this news, comes still of several endeavours for insurrections against them, in defence of the Rump. In Sussex a Party had been form under one Colonel Fissenden, which notwithstanding were dispersed; and Colonel Fag likewise, who was raising Forces, with intentions to strengthen the Party at Portsmouth, was taken and brought up to London.  
But their Portsmouth enemies grew daily stronger and stronger. Major Bremen, Major of Colonel Rich his Regiment, and several others, instead of resisting them, going in to their assistance, and so adding daily to their number.  
And at this time was a design framed to have seized on the Tower of London, for the behalf of the late Peer of a Parliament, which was thus to have taken effect. The designers having brought over Colonel Fitch to their Party, and engaged him to the promotion of the enterprise, he was on Monday the 8th of December about eight in the Morning, to have come out of the Tower in his Coach, and returning about ten, to have carried in with him in the Coach Colonel Okey, Major Wagstaffe, and John Streater, late Comptrollers of the Army's train of Artillery; and immediately after the Coach were four Companies of Foot, ready prepared for that purpose, amongst the Sectaries in London to have rushed in, upon Pretence of Orders from Fleetwood for strengthening the Garrison; and so b'ing entered, to declare immediately for the late disturbed Rump. But this design of theirs was not so privately carried, but that it was discovered to those at Wallingford-House, who on the Sunday before sending for Fitch, did there secure him, and forthwith Desborough and Colonel Salmon to take care of the security of the Tower; and so this machination vanished into nothing.  
But now the General Counsel of Officers sit daily, that they might conclude something concerning the mock-Parliament they intended, which they resolved should have nothing of a Parliament but the name, being to be kerbed and kept under by the negative voice of a company of ridiculous and schismatical persons of their own faction, whom they termed Conservators, and were in number twenty one.  
On the 15th of December they publish the Proclamation for this their Parliament, and resolve Writs should immediately go forth, as soon as they had considered what number it should consist of, and what persons for best conducement to themselves.  
On the 17th comes news far worse than all the rest, they are now like to be forceably set upon at their own doors; Lawson with a squadron of Ships comes into the River, and makes protestation against them and their proceed, resolving the restoration of the late pretended Parliament. To remedy this if possible, they send down with all speed Sr Henry Vane, Major Saloway, and Colonel Salmon, to treat with him, who were no sooner come aboard, but they find with him Sr Anthony Ashly Cooper, Mr Scot, and Mr Streater, three of the Rumps great Agents; so that instead of a friendly compliance, this conference ended in nothing but taunts of these Adversaries.  
Nor was London and the adjacent places in this interim, free from designs against them; a plot was form generally over the City, to have made a general insurrection in vindication of their liberties; but this being (as was supposed) discovered by some of the chief undertakers, was broken, and several persons taken and secured for it, both at London and at Greenwich, where a Party was likewise to be form to second these.  
The Common-counsel of London seeing these strange distractions and tumults which every day happened, and knowing of how dangerous consequence they were to the welfare of the City, which by these means might be made the seat of War, resolved to take the liberty to themselves, since they were absolutely denied it, of settling their own Militia in such hands, as they might confide in for the safeguard of it; and accordingly made choice of their respective Officers, which was since presented to the Rump, but denied, though afterwards confirmed upon the readmission of the secluded Members.  
But now comes the period of this Embryo of a Government; for messengers coming hourly, bring news of the advance of Sr Arthur Haslerig, and the rest from Portsmouth towards London. Whereupon the Officers themselves begin to be various and uncertain in their ridiculous determinations, concluding on one thing, and then resolving the contrary, and the Soldiers perceiving how unable they were to help themselves, resolve to provide for their own security, and leave their Officers to shift for themselves. Upon the Summons therefore and Orders of the Rumps Agents here in Town, they muster themselves in Lincoln's Inn-field, under the Command of Colonel Okey, Colonel Alured, and Colonel Markham, and there with shouts testify their resolutions to return to the obedience of the Parliament; and so from thence marching into Chancery-Lane, and by the Speakers door, they all submitted themselves to his command, as the Parliaments Soldiers.  
That night the Speaker accompanied with divers others, comes into the City, and acquaints the Mayor and Sheriffs of the Parliaments intentions to sit again very shortly; and therefore desires him to endeavour, that seeing they were again restored to the exercise of the Government, he would endeavour to still and quiet the animosities of the City, that they might acquiesce and submit to their determinations. From thence he goes to the Tower, and having distributed twenty pounds amongst the Soldiery, commits the charge of it to Sir Anthony Ashly Cooper, Mr Weaver, and Mr Josias Barnars, who were confirmed a while after by the Parliament, with addition of Mr Scot  
And no sooner were things thus overturned at London, but news comes likewise of the overthrow of the Army-faction in Ireland; Sir Hardress Waller and other his associates, declaring publicly in behalf of the Rump, having imprisoned Colonel Jones, and the rest of his Party.  
Desborows Regiment had advanced out of the North from Lambert, in order to help to quiet their disturbances here, but the work being done before they came, their labour was lost; and so they thought it better to submit to the mercy of the Parliament, then by standing out in defence of their Colonel, to hazard both their lives and Arrears.  
Monday December the 26th was the day of the Rumps re-installment, and final perdition of the late imaginary Government, the fictitious Embryo of Sr Henry Vane; but it's hard to say, whether England had not as much reason to be sorry for the restoration of the one, as for the destruction of the other, since both of them made it their aim and interest to enslave and oppress their native Country. But the Rump being thus reseated, confer without delay the Government of the Army upon Colonel Alexander Popham, Colonel Thompson, Mr Scot, Colonel Okey, Sr Anthony Ashly Cooper, Colonel Alured, and Colonel Markham, who, or any three of them, were to be Commissioners for that end and purpose.  
They next take into consideration the business of Moneys, and order the continuance of Custom and Excise: For though they had voted it down as oppressive to the Nation, that they might thereby deprive the Army of the benefit of it; yet were they resolved they would not themselves lose the profit, though never so much to the prejudice of the people; it being envy and not good will, which made them formerly vote it down.  
That they might likewise seem to give some satisfaction to the desires of the Nation, they appoint a Committee to consider of the cases of absent Members, and filling up of the House; a thing they would never have done, had not General Monck so nobly forced them to it.  
But next that they might dissipate the grand enemy which they had in the North, to wit Lambert, they order, First the disbanding of all such Forces, as had been raised without Authority of Parliament. Secondly the returning of all Arms which had been taken out of the public stores. Thirdly that all the Regiments of Horse and Foot in the Northern Counties, do forthwith repair unto such Quarters, as shall be appointed for them by the Commissioners for management of the Army, and observe their order inddirections for time to come. And then they ordered thanks to be returned to General Monck, Vice-admiral Lawson, and the Portsmouth Commissioners, as an acknowledgement of their fidelity and good service. And this was their first Act, upon their resetling their Rump in its former seat.  
Divers were the other Votes and Orders which they made, for settling their Army, and securing their power, which because not much material for our purpose, we shall pass on to what is more properly historical; namely the actions of General Monk, and his march towards London; yet not forgetting such things, as in the mean time passed at London or elsewhere, and aught to be considerable.  
General Monck had after his first Treaty at London by his Commissioners, and that he might keep things from running to bloodshed, and prevent the hazard of a Battle, knowing that time itself must certainly make him victorious, upon notice of the agreement made by his Commissioners here, contrary to the tenor of their Commissions, or his intentions; had I say agreed upon a second Treaty to be had at Newcastle. By which means he delayed time so long, that Sr Arthur Haslerig and the rest, making that diversion at Portsmouth, the Parliament was on a sudden restored, and his enemies immediately upon news vanished like smoke, all the Forces being by the Parliaments Order to submit to his command and disposure. Having therefore settled all things according to his pleasure, and as was most convenient to his purpose, he resolves upon his march to London, and for that purpose took up Horses in the Country to horse his Foot, the Parliament approving of his actions, for fear to displease him, though they had ordered his coming up only with 500 Horse, and disposed his Army in their respective Quarters. But he who was to do other things then barely the restoring of a putrified Rump, resolves to march up with his whole strength; but in the mean time lulls them asleep with a smiling compliance with their humours and desires. His march towards London was but slow, he being resolved to keep his Army in such a posture, as might provide security for the Soldiery, and testify the prudence of the General. In Yorkeshre he was met by the Lord Fairfax, and other Gentlemen of the County, (who before Lambert's dispersing, had raised a considerable Body, and with the assistance of the Irish Brigade had secured York) and by them was caressed with all testimonies of affection, and courted with their desires that he would be instrumental to make the Nation happy, by restoring the Members secluded in 1648, or in helping them to a full and free Parliament. This likewise was the substance of many Declarations, which at this time were tendered to the Speaker and City of London from several Counties. And this likewise was the subject of those other addresses, which he received from the Gentry of all places in his march. But the Parliament a little alarmed by this news, and sensible of the danger was thereby imminent to themselves, should the intentions of the General be otherwise then they seemed to them, order Mr Scot and Mr Robinson to go down to him, under pretence of congratulating him for his signal services; but indeed to search if they could into the depth of his intentions. But he who was too wise to be caught by such gulls, carried himself with such an even poise, that both Parliament and Country thought him surely inclining to their several Parties. And notable was his Letter, in answer to one the City had lately sent him by their Swordbearer; in which he both resolved as he said to satisfy their desires for a Free Parliament, and yet resolved to continue faithful to this Parliament, giving the City matter of hope, and taking from the Rump all cause of discontent. But the Parliament having sent persons to search into his thoughts, the City likewise whom it as nearly concerned, were resolved to do the like; and therefore made choice of Alderman Fowke, Alderman Vincent, and Colonel Bromfield, to go down and present him with their affections and desires, together with their resolution to stick by their former resolution; who were received by the General with all expressions of civility; but nothing was promised to them, which might give the Rump any suspicion or jealousy of his intentions. After a long and tedious march on January 28. 1659. he arrived at St Alban, where he was presented with the Addresses of several Counties, together with one from the City of London; all which containing the forementioned subject received from him the like courteous, though dubious answers. The same day he arrived at St Alban, his Lady arrived at Whitehall, and took up those lodgings, which had been prepared for her. On Friday February the third he arrived at London, the Army which was quartered there, having marched out the night before, though with a great deal of discontent, and some disorder and mutiny. He was the next day by the Parliament desired to come to the House, and Mr Scot and Mr Robinson sent to attend him; where being come, the Speaker in the highest expressions might be, did endeavour to testify the grand esteem the House had of his merits, and the hearty thanks they did return to him for them; and he afterwards retaliated his language, in an excellent speech, whereof though in all things he seemed to comply with their desires, yet in some sort he put them in mind of the people's desires and inclinations, which notwithstanding he left to their determination, and upon parting left them well satisfied with him, in all outward appearance.  
There were not many things remarkable which fell out at London or elsewhere, in the interim of the Generals march thither, only the ejection of Sr Henry Vane, and Major Saloway, (who had been instruments in the late interruption) out of the House, and confinement of the first, with Lambert, and the rest of the nine Worthies, to their several Houses, and the committing the last to the Tower.  
There happened likewise two mutinies, the one at Gravesend by the Soldiers of Sr Brice Cockrains Regiment; and the other at Bristol by the inhabitants, in relation to a Free Parliament; but both were sunddenly quelled.  
The General being as aforesaid come to London, the Parliament, alias Rump, (for by that name they may be best known,) being extraordinary jealous of him, and the power he might at pleasure exercise over them to their prejudice, consult amongst the grandees of them, how they might best abridge his power, and overtop him; and for this they designed this expedient. The City continuing as before malcontent, and denying to pay any Money without the consent of a full Parliament, and refusing to be satisfied with any thing could proceed from the Rump, whose villainies were now grown execrable to them, and his strength likewise chief consisting in the affection and interest he had in the hearts of the Citizens; they resolve to kill two Birds with one stone, undo the City, and make him the instrument of the action. On February the 9th they send him with part of his Army into the City; and he according to their Order marched in that day, and took up his Quarters at the three Tuns at Guild-Hall gate, where he was caressed, and saluted by divers principal Citizens. But he who knew times were not yet ripe for his after comfortable actions, granted them nothing, but sends up to the House to know what he should do; who immediately return him these Votes for an answer, That he should immedihtely pull down and destroy the Gates, Posts, Chains, and Portculliss; which accordingly he put in execution. And moreover sent these following persons, who had lately been very active for the interest of the City, to take up their lodgings in the Tower of London; viz. Mr alias Alderman Thomas Brown Grocer, Mr Daniel Spencer, Colonel Bromfield, Major Chamberlain, Mr Richard Ford, Major Cox, Mr Bludworth, Mr Penning, and Lieutenant Colonel Jackson; all of them Common Counsel men, and persons of highest repute and desert.  
These actions of his exceedingly startled the faith of all men, who had grounded the opinion in themselves, that God had appointed him for the only instrument of his countries' deliverance, and were now in such a maze, that they almost gave over the good hopes they had conceived of him. But he who understood well enough what he went about, and knew that by this action he should perfectly understand, whether the City would not be wavering and inconstant, should he make a nearer conjunction with them, which must have ruined him and his good purposes together, did fulfil this execrable Command of the Rump, that so he might set them and the City at the utmost variance, and so make them surer and faster for an after compliance with him, which he not many hours after did make with them, and so plenarily satisfied the longing desires of the City, and deceived the Parliament with their own snare. For that they had perfectly designed this action to cast dirt in his face in the eyes of the City, may be seen, in that whilst he was about this hateful drudgery, they already fell to abridge his power, by joining several others, as Hesilrig, Walton, Morley, etc. in Commission with him for the Government of the Army, that so they might restrain and curb him at pleasure. But he, who understood them well enough, had no sooner finished this dirty work, but upon his return to Whitehall, he sends them a Letter, which rang another peal than they expected after their City-Victory, wherein he notably expostulated with them for their last injurious commands, tells them, Of their countenancing and abetting such as they had seemingly declared enemies, and had been the occasion of their last overthrow, which were then in Town hatching designs for the ruin of all. And then concludes with a prefixed time, by which they would resolve to issue out Writs for a new Parliament, that so they might terminate their sitting, and come to a dissolution, which both Army and Nation longingly expected. After this Letter, he sent on Saturday, Febr. 11. in the morning, and forthwith he gives order for his Army both Foot and Horse to be in a readiness, and with them he marches by the backside of the Town into Finsbury-field, where he musters them, and goes himself with several of his Officers to Dinner with the Lord Mayor at his house; at night he marched them into the City, where Quarters were provided for them, with the hearty good will of the Citizens, whose Bonfires and Bells did in some measure testify the unmeasurable joy they had conceived, by having got so noble a Guest.  
But I must not omit one passage in his Letter, which was the detestation of that damnable and hellish Petition which was presented to the Rump by Praise-God Barebones, contrived by themselves, and pretended to come from many thousand well-affected Brethren in London, Westminster, and the places adjacent, Wherein they bitterly rail against King, Nobility and Clergy, casting all the scandal possible upon those worthy persons, who were by armed violence excluded in 1648. because by a Treaty with the King, they would have composed the bleeding differences of the Nation: and likewise they utterly cried out against the restoring those Members, or bringing in a Free Parliament, as that which must inevitably ruin the godly of the Land. For prevention of which they desired no more than the bare ruin both of Church and State, in these following particulars. That no man might be admitted into any place or function, either in Church or State, but who would absolutely abjure and renounce the King, and all his Family, and any single Person whatsoever. By this means intending the overthrow of that small remains of Magistracy and Ministry they had left us.  
That whosoever in Parliament, or elsewhere should make any mention of restoring the King, should be adjudged guilty of High-Treason. Intending hereby to cut off the hands, and stop the mouths of those, who had not such pernicious resolution for their countries' ruin, as themselves. And yet notwithstanding this cursed Petition, contained things in it thus horrid and villainous, their Rumpships was graciously pleased, to think it deserved the thanks of the House, which by Order the Speaker returned to them.  
But this our Noble General makes one reason of his so sudden desertion of them; and happy was that action of his for London. For the Rump (as was reported and believed) had designed the utter overthrow of the City-Government, by taking away both Mayor and Common Counsel, and hanging up divers of the most eminent, both Aldermen and Commoners. But when now they see their pregnant hopes of compassing their mischievous ends prevented, they seem to approve of General Monks action; and that they might leave no stone unturned, which might serve for some support to their now falling interest: They return hearty thanks to the Lord Mayor for his good affection to them; hoping thereby to create such animosities between the City and him, that might render him uncapable of doing them a mischief, by the affection of the Populacy to him. They had likewise designed a new Militia, made wholly of factious and mechanic persons, who should have exercised what tyranny they pleased over the City: But blessed be God, these their machinations were blasted by the care and wisdom of our thrice noble General. But to content him, if possible, they order a Committee to consider what Lands were fitting to be conferred upon him; and to satisfy him in one particular, they order a Proclamation to be published against John Lambert, wherein he was required to render himself within four days, upon the forfeiture of his Estate. And then as for another Parliament, they make show, to resolve a speedy sending out Writs, but resolve to tie up their hands to their blocks, by previous engagements against King, House of Lords, etc. But this was no satisfaction to the General. For he having taken away those arms which were in the hands of the fanatics, and such as might have caused disturbance in the City, on Tuesday the 21th of February (a day not to be forgotten, as long as England endureth, being the first light which glimmered some cheerfulness to us) having drawn his Army together, he marched to Westminster early in the morning; and having beforehand prepared the secluded Members to be ready, who were then very many of them in Town, and had had divers private meetings; he met them at Whitehall, where having recommended to them the care of the National interest, yet in such terms as the Rump might not absolutely despair, he saw them admitted into the Parliament House, to the great grief and amazement of the former Housekeepers, who look upon these as Intruders. That night there was Bonfires, and great rejoicing in London.  
But the secluded Members being in, they fall to their work in good earnest; they had not such by-ends, or corrupted interests to drive on, as their Predecessors; and therefore found no such haltings in doing things, which the Nation required. But in the first place they order the release of those prisoners, which for Free-Parliament-Petitions had been lately clapped up, as likewise the Members of the Common Counsel of London. They disannul the Militia which the Rump had instituted, consisting only of persons both Fanatic and Factious, and order a new Militia throughout all England, wherein they nominated the most principal of the Gentry, who were thought most willing and ready to promote the settlement of their Country; yet with this proviso, that they should subscribe that they should acknowledge the war was lawful against his late Majesty till 1648. the Parliament by violent force was broken. And that they might be furnished with that which is the sinews and strength of all, money, they send to the City to desire them advance some money beforehand upon security of the next six Month's assessment, which was freely granted by the City, and 27000lb. immediately lent them. Whereupon the City petition for the confirmation of the Militia, which the Parliament presently settled according to their desires.  
The next work they did, was to choose a Counsel of State, which was done by lot (of all manner of choice the most equal, by reason no man can find himself aggrieved, not knowing who is pro, or who is con) which prevents all rancour and animosity. The persons which were by them chosen, being for the most Gentlemen of eminent worth, and such as have to the height testified their abilities for the good of their Country in this last emergency; although there were some Rumpers amongst them. I have thought it not amiss to give you a Catalogue of them, that we may pay due homage to their names and memory.  

Arthur Ansley Lord Precedent.  
William Pierpoint.  
John Crew.  
Richard Knightly.  
Colonel Popham.  
Colonel Morley.  
Sr A. A. Cooper.  
Sr Gilb. Gerhard.  
Lord St John.  
Sr Tho. Widdrington.  
Sr John Evelin.  
Sr William Waller.  
Sr Richard Onslow.  
Sergeant Maynard.  
Sr William Lewis.  
Col. Montague.  
Col. Hanley.  
Col. Norton.  
Denzil Hollis.  
Sr John Temple.  
Col. Thompson.  
Sr John Trever.  
Sr John Holland.  
Sr John Potts.  
Col. Birch.  
Sr Herbottle Grimston.  
John Swinton.  
John Weaver.  
Col. Rossiter.  
Lord Fairfax.  
L. General Monck.   
Then they repealed such Acts of the Rump, as they had made merely for the satisfaction of their own self ends, and were exceedingly destructive to the interest of the Kingdom; taking off those Sequestrations which they had laid on Sr George Booth, and his party, which must have proved almost a general calamity to the Nation: and they likewise released them from that confinement which they had for a long time lain under. Making moreover such acts as might best secure the interest of the people, and conduce to the settlement of the Nation, some of which were directed to the taking away all places of power or profit, out of the hands of the Fanatic or Commonwealth party, and putting in those who were like to prove better Patriots. But these acts being very numerous, I think not convenient to insert the particulars.  
In the next place they commissionate the Lord Monck to be Captain General of all the Forces in England, Scotland and Ireland, a place of the highest honour, and which he had as highly deserved. And now to show that God was pleased, notwithstanding the continued sins of the Nations to remit his punishing hand: no sooner were the Members seated in the House, but news came that Ireland was by his good providence, through the endeavours of Sr Charles Coote already put in such a posture, as might make it capable of receiving the first state of affairs; he having secured Sr Hardresse Waller, and others of the Rumps faction.  
But now some sign of discontent appeared in the Army here, which had formerly been under fleetwood's and Lambert's command. For Colonel Rich's Regiment upon news of this change at London, began to mutiny at St Edmondsbury; but the Parliament hearing of it, instantly sent out Colonel Ingoldsby, a Lover of his Country, their former Commander, with a party of Horse, to whom upon his approach they quietly submitted themselves.  
The Parliament now restored the Charter to the City of Chester, which had been taken away by the Rump upon Sr George Booths business; as shortly afterward they likewise revived the Duchy of Lancaster, which had been voted down by the others, and made Sr Gilbert Gerrard Chancellor, Nich. Letchmere Attorney of the Duchy; and the Speaker William Lenthal Esquire, Chamberlain of Chester.  
And perceiving that endeavours were daily used to sow sedition in the Army, and that there was designs on foot to draw them together to a mutiny, they order, That none either Officers or Soldiers should departed from their respective Quarters without leave from the Lord General, and those that had, forthwith to return to their assigned stations.  
To gratify Dr Claerges, and in him his brother the Lord General, the Hamper-Office, a place of good profit was conferred upon him.  
Febr. 29. Upon notice of some design contriving by the Fanatic party, several arms were seized in divers places of the City of London, and Captain Kiffen a grand Ringleader of the Anabaptists, and several others were secured, though afterwards released, no matter of weight being then found against them.  
And now that they might testify to the world they were other men than their predecessors, who would have continued themselves a Parliament to posterity, they order their dissolution to be on the 15th of March, resolving before that time to take order for summoning a New Representative. They confirmed the Confession of Faith formerly made by the Assembly of Divines, and enacted, That it should be the Confession of Faith of the Church of England, except only the thirtieth and one and thirtieth Articles concerning Church-censure and Synods. They likewise constitute General Monck, together with General Montague to be Generals at Sea for the next Summer's expedition, and accordingly command Montague to go to Sea with all possible speed.  
And because several Members had impeachments against them, and upon that score were secluded the House, they disannul those impeachments, and re-admit them, as namely Mr Denzil Hollis, and Sr Robert Pye.  
About this time the Deanery of Christ-Church, which had for a long time been in the hands of Dr Owen (a man looked upon at Oxford as a hare-brained schismatic) was taken from him, and confirmed to Dr Reynolds, a man who fare better deserved it. They likewise at the beginning of March released the Lord Lindsey, the Lord Sinclare, and Lord Lauderdale from their tedious imprisonments, to which upon various pretences they had been committed.  
Dr Walker and Dr Turner were made Judges of the Admiralty, and Probate of Wills, and Dr Wiseman constituted the Commonwealths Advocate.  
And now was the Lord General invited to Dinner by the Company of Mercers, and afterwards by several other of the Companies, the Citizens striving mutually, who should in the best manner discover and express the gratefulness and esteem they bore for his noble and heroic actions.  
At this time there was an assembly of a Parliamentary Convention in Ireland, summoned by Sr Charles Coote, and the Lord Broghill, for the better Regulating of affairs there, till all things in England might be in a better posture.  
The Parliament that they might testify to the world, that they were not so forgetful of Oaths as their fellow-Members, order the solemn League and Covenant to be set up and read in all Churches; and likewise to be set up in the Parliament, that they might remember they had sworn for the maintenance of the King and his posterity.  
Colonel Lambert being found to lurk up and down about the City, notwithstanding the Order of the Parliament, was (as a person too dangerous to be trusted to himself at such a time as this) committed to the Tower.  
Orders were sent down to Hull by Colonel Alured and Major Smith, that Colonel Overton should immediately deliver up that Garrison into the hands of Colonel Fairfax, and to repair immediately to London; and he notwithstanding his former Declaration, that he was resolved to keep it till the coming of King Jesus, presently obeyed the Order, and Colonel Fairfax accordingly took possession of the place.  
Sr Arthur Haslerig and others were questioed before the Parliament and Counsel of State; but nothing extraordinary being found against him, as to the designs were then on Foot, it was passed by. The Parliament made Sr Peter Killigrew, Governor of Pendennis-Castle; and worthy Mr Morris, Commander of Plymouth-Fort and Island.  
There was about this time a conference between ten of the Counsel of State, and ten head-Officers of the Army, the General being present, concerning the Government; but the conference being only for mutual information and satisfaction, it had no result.  
The Parliament ordered that the Examination of Sr George Booth and his Lady should be taken off the File, and given to him, he deserving to have his Encomium put on in the room of it.  
And now they obliterated the Engagement which was made by the Rump in 1649, (to free them from punishment, for the impious murder of their Gracious Sovereign) out of the Journal, and voted it to be null and void.  
And now the time of their dissolution being come, they put out the Act for summoning a new Parliament, in the Name of the Keepers of the Liberties of the Commonwealth of England. The Qualifications which they put out, being only these.  
That all persons who have advised, aided, or any ways assisted or abetted the rebellion in Ireland.  
All those who profess the Popish Religion.  
All that advised or voluntarily aided in the War against the Parliament in 1641, unless they have since given a manifestation of their good affection, shall be uncapable of being elected Members for the ensuing Parliament; and no person elected and thus qualified, to sit in the House upon a high penalty.  
Though these Qualifications did seem at first to exclude a great number, yet divers eminent and worthy persons, though they had actually been in the King's service in the late War, having been engaged in Sr George Booths quarrel for the natural interest, were elected and admitted to sit in the House.  
The City having completed their Militia, as well Auxiliaries as trained Bands, made choice of his Excellency the Lord General, to be Major General of all their Forces; Major General Brown being Colonel of the Regiment of Horse.  
The Parliament ordered 100 to be given to Major General Brown, in satisfaction for those great losses which he had received under the tyranny of the Rump, for his noble and public spirit. They likewise gave 30000, as a gift to his Excellency.  
And before their dissolution they released Dr Wren, who for about eighteen years had suffered imprisonment in the Tower of London, a man who doubtless deserved better usage, but that the times than did not well understand him. They gave power also to the Counsel of State to release what Prisoners upon State-matters, they should see good, and particularly Maj. Gen. Lambert. They ordered a stop should be put to the sale of the Estate of the Lord Craven and Lord St John, the first of which had his Estate taken away from him by more than hellish injustice.  
Some neglect being in the Printer concerning the Printing of the Act for the Militia, and it being supposed, there was a design of some of the late Rump, to make some alteration in the Act, as might suit for their turn, or else upon the Parliaments dissolution, by violence to hinder it: The Parliament ordered a Committee to take care that it should be finished with all expedition, which accordingly was performed. And so this part of a Parliament, which was chosen in 1640. was now finally dissolved in 1660. by their own Act, which was, That the day for dissolution of this Parliament be from the sixteenth of March 1660. Multiplicity of business having caused them to alter the first appointed day.  
About this time our gracious Sovereign King Charles the second, hearing of the transactions of affairs in England, and seeing how the face of all things began to alter, so that great probability there was of being admitted to his undoubted Right, without the effusion of his Subjects blood, removed his Court from Brussels to Breda in Holland, a Town belonging to his Sister the Princess of Orange; there expecting till England might be brought into such a posture, as might fit it for his happy and wished for reception.  
The Parliament at their dissolution had conferred on the Counsel of State all Power whatsoever in the Interval, till the assembling of the Free Parliament, April 25. 1660. which accordingly they executed so prudently and wisely, and preserved the Nation in peace, and put the affairs of the Kingdom in such a posture, as did give the ensuing Parliament, liberty to do what they pleased, or found convenient for the right settlement of the Government.  
The Counsel of State had nothing more to take care of then the Militia, which blessed be God was through the care of the Commissioners in the respective Counties, and their approbation of the same put into the hands of such considerable persons of the Nobility and Gentry, as were not like upon any occasions to prostitute their faith and Country, upon the base Mechanical ends of self-profit or advantages. And good reason was there for its speedy and good setlement, the fanatics, and discontented Officers of the Army, with several of the late discarded Rump, did all they might underhand, to bring the Counsel of State and their proceed into odium with the people, and to stir up their own followers, with the Soldiery to mutiny against their Commanders, and the present power; and to this purpose they put out several most scurrilous, and abusive Libels in defamation of the Kings most Excellent Majesty; representing him to the guilty consciences, of those whose crimes had justly made them fearful, To be of all persons the most cruel and arbitrary, and that notwithstanding the thoughts of the Presbyterians, who so vigorously now promoted his interest; he would show them as little mercy, as to those they called fanatics; nor would they find any distinction from him when once resettled. These and the like most opprobrious calumnies were divulged concerning him, in general Pamphlets, but especially in one, entitled a letter from Brussels, supposed to be writ by Marchamond Needham, (a fellow who most highly deserves the prefixion of the black Theta) or the Rumps man Thomas, but printed by Livewell Chapman; who for his private profit had for a long time been the Devil's instrument, in making public divers erroneous and dangerous opinions of the hotheaded Sectaries; and now was so impudent, as to endeavour the destruction of of his Country, by such inflaming Libels. But the prudent Counsel of State having notice of it, immediately sent order for his apprehending, which he understanding, forthwith fled, but was followed by a Proclamation, which for sometime he avoided, by hideing himself; but at last being by God's just judgement discovered, is now in prison, expecting the due reward of such nefarious practices.  
But they were not only blowing the bellows of sedition, by their incendiary Libels, but also by the old trick of Agitators (which were two out of every Regiment chosen to debauch the Army) the endeavour to draw the Soldiery from their due obedience, and seduce them to side with their corrupt interest; and very busy were these instruments of sedition, till by a wholesome Order of the Counsel of State, which was a Proclamation, That whosoever should apprehend any of these Agitators, should have 10 given him as a reward: there were divers of them seized on, and secured, and so their designs in a good manner rendered ineffectual. Yet notwithstanding all care taken for suppressing their endeavours, they had form a design, which had not it met with most timely prevention, must have proved most dangerous to the Nations quiet, and involved it in the confusion of a second War. For these infamous persons who so lately lorded it over the Kingdom, not able to endure themselves to be turned into their first Sphere, and fearing they should shortly feel the weight of their crimes, to sink them, under a just revenge, had throughout the whole Nation stirred up as many as possible they could engage, upon the first opportunity to make an insurrection; and so having prepared their design, in order to action, they find means for Lambert's escape out of the Tower of London (as may justly be supposed by the conveyance and consent of some who had charge of the Prisoner) that so they might not want a head, who would in some sort be acceptable to their party. The Counsel of State having notice of his escape, proclaimed him guilty of High-treason if he did not within 24. hours render himself to the next Garrison; but he notwithstanding this escaped, and after a while appeared hard by Edgehill, together with Creed and other of his associates, in order to the framing of a party; for thither it was that all the fanatics, together with discontented Soldiers were to repair, and make their rendezvouse; and there doubtless had they been suffered to remain a while, they would have made a very formidable party. But their appearance being heard of in the Country about, notice was given to valiant Coll. Ingoldsby, Coll. Rossiter and others, whose Forces quartered about them, and so all the passages thither being on every side stopped, these Rebels removed their quarter, and marched towards Daintry, whither they were followed by Coll. Ingoldsby with a party of Horse and Foot, and there dispersed, without scarce a drop of blood; the Party betaking themselves to their heels, and their grand Ringleader Lambet falling into the hands of stout and victorious Ingoldsby, was taken without offering so much as to draw a sword in his own defence; and was presently after sent up to London, with Creed, Hesilrig's son and others; the Coach which brought them, coming by Hyde-park corner, just when the whole Forces of the City were there Mustering, to be in a readiness to defend their Country, against all such Traitors and Rebels as he had manifested himself. Being brought up to London, he was with the rest committed to his former place of residence, and there remains till his due time.  
About this time a dangerous tumult had like to have happened at Gloucester, about the coming of Major General Massey thither, to be elected for a Parliament man; which was briefly thus. He arriving there on Saturday night in cognito intended to lie private: but notice being brought to the Major, he came, and with an invitation, fetched him to his own house; and the next day took him with him to Church, but as he was going home from thence together with him, and the Minister who preached before them; the Captain of the Guard having notice, came and said hold of the Major General, and told him he was his Prisoner: and the rude Soldiery (the Minister steping up to speak in his defence) drew, and threatened to take away his life: which being heard by some of the Townsmen, who feared some violence would hereupon be offered to the life of their beloved Governor, immediately raised the whole Town in a commotion, and a party of Soldiers going to the Cross with resolution to suppress some which were there assembled, were set upon by the Townsmen and dispersed, and their Commander with several of them knocked down and wounded; and the mutiny being thus heightened it is verily thought it must have ended in the slaughter of all the Soldiers in the Town, had not the mediation of the Major, and his passing his word that the Major General should make his appearance before the Counsel of State at London, at last put an end to the fray and difference. And the Major General being that afternoon made a Freeman of the City, did a day or two after come up to London, and render himself to the Counsel according to their Order, whereupon he was dismissed, and was by his Gloucester friends chosen with free consent for one of their Burgesses.  
Great were the expectations of this time, what the Counsel of State would do concerning the King, many being of opinion and resting confident, that they would bring him in before the beginning of the Parliament, all men antedating the time of his restoration by their longing and earnest desires of that happy day, wherein they might see him settled upon the Throne of his Ancestors, and the Nation restored to its true and ancient Liberties.  
The designs of the fanatics did now appear almost in every County; but the head being broke in Lambert, the Members could not long enjoy life and motion; but in every County they were dispersed, and the chief Ringleaders taken, amongst whom Major General Harrison, who was taken in Stafordshire, was most considerable.  
But the 25th of April being now come, a day of greatest expectation by the whole Nation, the Parliament met in their House, where the first day nothing of moment passed, but only they chose their Speakers, and Sr Harbotle Grimstone for the House of Commons, a man of eminent parts and deserts.  
The next day the House of Commons appointed several Committees to take care of such things as were first to come under consideration; and the first was concerning double elections, and till the business was determined, none but those who were returned in both the indentures, were to sit in the House. A Bill against vagrants, wand'ring, idle and dissolute persons was read. And not long after, The Lords confirmed their old Speaker, the Earl of Manchester.  
Both houses likewise. Ordered Thursday May 10. to be set apart for a day of public thanksgiving to Almighty God for his wonderful goodness in stirring up and assisting of General Monck and other worthy persons in being so grandly instrumental to the restoring of happiness to their Country; and Ordered to be observed by this House, and the Cities of London and Westminster, and late Lines of Communication; and that the Thursday fortnight after, be likewise observed the whole Nation; and this their Resolve being by Mr Herbert carried up to the Lords, they immediately concurred with them therein, and so passed the Orders.  
The Commons resolved, that the thanks of their House should be given to General Monck, as an acknowledgement of his eminent and unparallelled services for the good of these Nations, and likewise Ordered thanks to be returned to Coll. Ingoldsby for his late eminent services; both which were by the Speaker elegantly performed accordingly.  
The Houses on Friday April 27. adjourned till the Tuesday following, appointing Monday to be observed as a day of Humiliation by both Houses, whereon Dr Reynold and Mr Hardy preached before the Lords, and Dr Gauden, Mr Calamy and Mr Baxter before the House of Commons.  
And now appeared that happy day, Tuesday May 1st which is not to be mentioned amongst English men without praise to Almighty God for his infinite mercy; it being the day whereon he pleased at length to bring us out of that mass of confusion and misery, into which his just hand had suffered us to plunge ourselves, into our former blessed and happy estate. For the Parliament having received by Sr John Greenvile, his Majesty's most Gracious Letters and Declarations, it was unanimously passed by both Houses, That according to the ancient and fundamental Laws of this Kingdom, the Government is, and aught to be by King, Lords, and Commons.  
The King's Majesty besides his Letters to both Houses and Declaration, had likewise sent a Letter to General Monck with the Officers under his Command; together with one to General Montague and the Commanders at Seas: The substance of all which was, His Majesty's free and Gracious pardon to all that should within forty days lay hold on the same, with resolution (as far as in him lies) to preserve them free from injury in their lives and Estates, liberty for tender Consciences, and such as differ in matters of Religion, provided they disturb not the peace of the Nation, and that all things relating to Sales and Purchases, shall be determined in Parliament; And the full satisfaction of the Arrears of the Soldiery, and receiving them into his Majesty's pay. Upon the reading of the fore-mention Letters and Declaration in the Houses, there was all reverence shown due to his Majesty and so Royal a concession; and one thing is worth observation, that the first who celebrated his Majesty's grace and extraordinary goodness was Luke Robinson, a man whose former actings had rendered him deservedly odious, but now I hope he hath made a real repentance.  
Never was Vote received with more joy than this was, by the Citizens and all others who could hear of it, at night the Bells, Bonfires, and shouts of the people, did highly demonstrate their extraordinary content and satisfaction.  
On the next day the House of Commons agreed upon a Letter in answer to his Majesty, and resolved that the Superscription should be, To the Kings most excellent Majesty. And General Monck acquainted the House, with an Address made to him by the Officers of the Army, wherein they did with one heart testify their resolutions to demonstrate themselves the best and most loyal of his Majesty's Subjects. Which Address was presented to the General by Coll. Sr John Lenthall and subscribed by all the chief Officers then in London.  
The House Resolved, that Dr Claerges have leave of the House to go to the King with the Lord General's answer to his Majesty's Letter to him. They likewise Resolved, that Sr John Greenvile should have the thanks of the House and, receive 1500 to buy him a jewel as a testimony of their respect to him. Honest Ald. Robinson acquainted the House, That the Lord Major, Aldermen and Commoncounsel had likewise received a Letter with the Declaration from his Majesty, to which they desired liberty of the Parliament to return an answer, which was by this House accordingly granted.  
An Agreement was made between this Commonwealth and the King of Spain for metuall exchange of all prisoners, which was signed by the marquis of Caracena on the behalf of his Catholic Majesty, and the Lord General Monck, in behalf of this Commonwealth; and the Orders taken according for the transportation of such Spaniards as were prisoners here, which agreement is hoped will not end there, but that there will shortly be a final conclusion of all differences between both Nations.  
May 3. The Lords and Commons Ordered a Declaration for continuance of all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Major, and other Officers that were in office the 25th of April, 1660. and to exercise their functions in his Majesty's name and stile, and suppress all unlawful Assemblies, and punish all misdemeanours against his Majesty's Royal Person and Authority, and to proceed against all such Offenders according to Law and Justice, which Declaration was published Monday May 7th.  
From Ireland arrived a Declaration of the General convention there, wherein they expressed their detestation of the most execrable murder of our late most Gracious Sovereign Charles the first, and the illegal proceed of the High Court of Justice against him.  
The Parliament Ordered 2250000 to be sent over to his Majesty for a present, as a test of their duty and loyalty, and 2250000 more towards the payment of the Arrears of the Army, and sent a Committee to the City to desire them to raise the money immediately, for which they should receive satisfaction by the next assessment, and receive in the mean the interest at 6. per cent. which was presently granted by the City and care taking for its speedy provision.  
The Commoncounsell of the City of London to testify their loyal gratitude to his Majesty Ordered 20000 to be sent for a present to his Majesty, and 400 to be given to the Lord Mordant and Sr John Greenvile, who brought them his Majesty's Letter, to buy each of them a Ring. They likewise ordered that to the most illustrious Prince James Duke of York, and his Princely Brother Henry Duke of Gloucester, a 2000 be presented to each of them.  
The Parliament Order that a stop be put to the sale of the Estates of the Lord Craven, Sr John Stawell, and Alderman Bunce, and likewise to the estate of the Duke of Buckingham, and that their names be inserted into the proviso of the Bill of of Grants and Sales. The Horse adjourned Easter Term to Quinque Paschae being May 28th 1660.  
Upon the third of May the Lord Montague having received a Letter from his Majesty, together with his Majesty's gracious message to the House of Commons; the Letter to his Excellency and Declaration; presently called a Counsel of War, to whom he communicated the said Letters, which were received by them all with much hearty affections and testimonies of their exact loyalty and duty to his Majesty: whereupon the General firing the first Gun himself cried, God bless King Charles; the Guns from the rest of the Fleet, with those from Deal and Sandwich Castles, did with loud Volleys re-eccho the joy for such a happy time, the shouts of the Seamen testifying their extraordinary chieerfulness and alacrity.  
But now comes the day, the like whereof was never enroled in the Enguish Calender, nor ever was there known a day whereon the people did with so unanimous and general consent testify their unexpressible content and gladness. And well might they, since from this time alone we can truly date the restored happiness of the English Nation, what passed before being as it were only glimmerings of this immense, and radiant light. The Parliament having the day before Ordered the Proclamation of his Majesty to be on the 8th day of May he was with the greatest solemnity possible, all the chief Lords of the Parliament attending in their Coaches; together with many eminent Members of the House of Commons, the Lord General, the Lord Major and Aldermen, with the whole Militia of the City, Proclaimed Charles by the Grace of God, of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, the most potent mighty and undoubted King. Nor did they intent by this Proclamation to seem as if they thought his Reign was to be begun from that time, but confessed that forthwith upon the death of his Father, the Imperial Crown of England, and the Dominions thereof did as absolutely bring unto him, as now after Proclamation; so that this is the twelfth year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord King Charles the second, whom God preserve.  
The House of Lords, the House of Commons, and the City of London, made choice of several most eminent and worthy persons of their number to attend his Majesty, which that they may not by posterity be forgotten, I have inserted their names.  



For the House of Lords.  
Earl of Oxford.  
Earl of Middlefex.  
Lord Brooke  
Earl of Warwick.  
Lord Viscount Hereford.  
Lord Barkley.    


For the House of Commons.  
Lord Fairfax.  
Lord Bruce.  
Lord Falkland.  
Lord Castleton.  
Lord Herbert.  
Lord Mandevile.  
Sr Horatio Townsend.  
Sr Ant. Ashey-Cooper.  
Sr George Booth.  
Denzill Hollis Esq;  
Sr John Holland.  
Sr Henry Chomely.    


For the honourable City of London  
Sr James Bunce Bar.  
Alderman Langham.  
Alderman Reynardson.  
Alderman Browne.  
Sr Nicholas Crispe.  
Alderman Thomson.  
Alderman Fredrick.  
Alderman adam's.  
Recorder Wild.  
Alderman Robinson.  
Alderman Bateman.  
Alderman Wale.  
Theophilus Biddulph.  
Richard Ford.  
Will. Vincent.  
Thomas Bludworth.  
Will. Bateman.  
J. Lowes Esq;  
Major Chamberlain.  
Coll. Brumfield.     
By Order from the Parliament that all Signs of the late Arbytrary Power might be razed, the State's Arms were to be taken down from all Churches and public places, that in the Parliament House and in Guildhall being taken down, and the King's Arms set up in their room, the Statue of his late Majesty was likewise set up again at the Chapel in Guild-hall-yard.  
The Votes of the Parliament were also for the Fleet to go immediately to receive his Majesty's Orders, and be at his Devotion. That the King's Majesty be desired to return speedily to Parliament, and exercise of his Kingly Office. That all Ministers shall in their public prayers pray for his Majesty under the name of, Our Sovereign Lord Charles, by the Grace of God of England, Scotland, France and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc. And the most Illustrious Prince, James Duke of York, with the rest of the Royal Progeny. Which is the hearty and fervent prayer of the Author and all good Subjects, and so let the conclusion be,  
Long live King Charles. II.    

THere is now made public Eighteen Books of the Secrets of Art and Nature, being the sum and substance of Natural Philosophy. First designed by John Wecker, and now much enlarged by Dr. R. Read; Sold at the Star in St. Paul's Churchyard.