Numb: 165. Mercurius Politicus. Comprising the sum of all Intelligence, with the Affairs and Designs now on foot in the three Nations OF ENGLAND, IRELAND, & SCOTLAND. In defence of the Commonwealth, and for Information of the People. — Ità vertere Seria. Horat. de Ar. Poet. From Thursday, August 4. to Thursday August 11. 1653. From edinburgh, August 1. HEre is little of any moment in these more southern Parts, save that the Ministers are very angry, and express it both in their Prayers and Sermons, at the dissolving of the general Assembly by so rough a hand: which, as it was a thing unexpected, so it works, according to the variety of mens Judgments and apprehensions, several Passions in this Nation. The Marquis of Argile seems an earnest Contender to preserve his Fidelity professed to the Parliament, and endeavours to keep those in his Country from any correspondence with the Highlanders. Besides, he hath written a very passionate Letter to his Son, to conjure him away from that party, who are still a heading at Loghaber, and expecting an opportunity to do mischief, being confident they shall hear of the Nollanders good success at Sea, who they think will be serviceable to them in their design. From bourdeaux, July 31. Here is now an Agreement; the Articles are thus in brief; That the Prince of Conti repair to Cadillas, the duchess of Longueville to Pissack, there to stay during his Majesties pleasure. The Princess of Conde is to retire, with her Son, into Flanders; General Marsin to his own Country of Liege, and the Earl of Maur to the Pr: of Conde. Col. balthasar hath partaken with the King; and the Princes Forces being here to be disbanded, a great part of them are Listed in his Majesties service. And so it is agreed, That the Peace shalbe published through this City by two Trumpets, whereof one of the Kings, the other a City one; and that Aug. 1. a solemn Mass shall be sung at St Dunstans, where all or most of our City are to be present; And the day following Te Deum is to be sung in the Cathedral of St Andrews, where the Dukes of Vendosme and Candale are to enter that day with their servants. By the next you may have the Articles of Agreement. Westminster, August 2. Mr Rous was continued Speaker of the Parliament for one Month longer. August 3. Upon the reading of Gen. monks Letter in Parliament, it was referred to the council of State to provide Necessaries for the sick and maimed Seamen, and to take care of the Widows and Orphans of such as are slain. Also, that the council of State do signify to the Counties of Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, that the Parliament hath taken notice of their tender respect to the sick & wounded put ashore in those Counties, and their good resentment and acceptation therof, and return thanks unto them. Also that it be referred to the Commissioners for the Admiralty, &c. and they required to put in execution the Resolves of Parliament passed December 22. 1652. touching the encouragement to be given to Mariners and Seamen in the States service. From Stratburgh, july 30. I know the great desire you have to receive at length the Relation I promised you long since, concerning the late troubles of our native Country: wherein though I could have given you satisfaction ere this, yet knowing that your desire is to have it full and perfect, I have therefore forborn it hitherto; and seeing that at present by Gods gracious assistance, things are ended and reduced to its former peace and quietness, take it as followeth: Whereas in the month of March last the subjects of the City of Lucern, in the Provinces of Endlebuch and Willisaw did in a tumultuous and insolent manner rise up against their own native and lawful Magistrate, pretending hard and rigorous usage by some of their provincial Governors, but more particularly they pretended to have sustained great loss by a late calling down of some species of Coin then currant in that county, when indeed it was nothing else, but their fullness of bread and lavish course of life, with a desire they had to see their great Debts canceled, which occasioned this Insurrection, and herein they preceded so far, that they did not onely draw up in an open body against the City, to the number of many thousands, keeping as it were the same blocked up, thereby to force them to an unbecoming Composition; but they committed also many great outrages and insolences, so that it appeared a business of a very dangerous consequence, and the City not finding themselves sufficient to remove so great a storm, required the help of the other 6 catholic Cantons, which they are obliged unto by their special and nearest League and Confederacy. But the Rebels seeing that their Magistrate in the City was to have help from other places, they likewise began to look out for assistance from their Neighbors the subjects of the Cities of Bern, Solothurn, and basil, sending to them their Emissaries, who with their fals and rebellious pretences and suggestions prevailed so far with a great number of them, that they promised them their aid and assistance, if need should require against their superiors. Hereupon the power of the Rebels begun to grow strong and numerous, that the City was not able longer to sustain them, and therefore of necessity was forced to make an Agreement with them, which occasioned the City of Bern likewise to come to a composition with their Rebels, who were at the same time also very considerable. But these rustics seeing, that the Rebels of the other two Cities of basil and Solothurn kept up still, and that they would not once hear of a Composition, but intended to carry on their design by force, they found soon a pretext to break and overthrow the said Agreement, though it was never so advantageous for them, saying it was set down and written in other terms, then it was at first conceived and agreed upon. So that the fire of Rebellion begun to break out more violently, and the four foresaid Cities, as Bern, Lucern, Basil and Solothurn, were pestered more then before. Whereupon a speedy and general convention was called together of all the 13 Cantons indifferently, where they did consult, what means were best to use to prevent and remedy these great and still-increasing evils: And for this end, they sent divers honourable Messengers, as well to the said infested Cities, as to their rebellious subjects, who did show them their duty, and the danger they were in; but especially they exhorted the subjects to quietness, respect and obedience toward their lawful and native Magistrate, telling them, that if they had any legal and well-grounded grievances to show, they should find a gracious hearing of their Superiors, and a speedy redress according as the nature of things should require: But notwithstanding all these, and the like gracious offers, that were made unto the Rebels( where there was nothing omitted that might become a meek and a Christian Magistrate) they went still on in their Rebellious courses, and nothing would take with this besotted and foolish people: For whereas they should have acknowledged the favour and meekness of their superiors, and have laid down their arms, and turned to obedience: they on the contrary met together from all parts, near unto a place called Huttwyl, in the Territory of Bern, where they did bind and oblige themselves together in a new Oath and Covenant, to venture all what they had, life, reputation, goods and blood, nor to lay down their arms until they had accomplished their design. But when the other Cantons, as well interested, as not interested, did see how far the presumption of this people had gone, and that they refused all just and favourable offers, intending to carry it out by force, they resolved likewise on their part, to take another course, and being they would not be reduced by fair means, to use their power and authority to enforce them, especially when they saw they were come to that height, that they laid siege to both the Cities of Bern and Lucern, with above twenty thousand men, where they broken open the Granaries and magazines of their Superiors, plundered them, seized the Post, broken open the Letters, reviled their Magistrates, and abused them at home, and by their Letters abroad; and if they met with any that would not join with them, they did abuse them likewise in a barbarous manner, cutting and flitting their noses and ears, and robbing them. Thus they forced many to take part with them, and committed many other almost incredible insolences and outrages. Hereupon did the other disengaged Protestant cantons, viz. Zurich, Glaris, Schaffhausen, Appenzell and St. galen, gather their Forces together, and with a competent field-army, provided of all necessaries, and a good train of Artillery, they marched out against them, towards Mellingen, a strong place possessed by the Rebels, which they took in, and encamped themselves near about it, from whence they sent out parties and brought in several prisoners who told them the state of affairs. The Rebels made no great resistance in the beginning, but made a show as if they were willing to come to an agreement, and therefore desired a short cessation of Arms. And this they did only to render our people secure, that so they might surprise them unawares, as it proved afterwards. For upon the 24. day of May came their General Nicolaus Lyonberger, a Peasant of the Territory of Bern, suddenly with all his Forces, which were above twenty thousand effective able men, thinking thus to surprise our Army in the Camp; but they found themselves much deceived afterwards, by reason of the vigilancy and gallant resistance our people made, and the impression of our Cannon, which they conceived to be of little use in wet and rainy weather, as it then was, so that they were beaten off with considerable loss. The next day the Rebels would try their fortune again, and set upon our Camp, but being beaten back and worsted again, they bethought themselves, and desired to come to an agreement, sending several of their Commissioners into our Camp: After some deliberation the accord was made and agreed upon on both sides in following particulars. First, That they should lay down their arms, and return every man to his own home. Secondly, they should renounce their new Covenant and unhappy Confederacy they had made amongst themselves, and to that end deliver up the Original Writings thereof unto our General. Thirdly, they should deliver up their Leaders into the hands of the Magistrates to be punished. Fourthly, that the Forces of the Magistrates and the indifferent Cantons should remain in the field so long, till all things were settled again and reduced to former order and obedience. Whilst these things were thus in action about Mellingen, the three infested Cities of Bern, Lucern, and Basil, made a sudden sally upon their rebellious Subjects, whom they likewise routed, that they did throw away their arms, and begged mercy, promising hereafter better obedience, and to deliver up their Leaders. Whereupon, the Magistrate caused all the Ringleaders to be sought out, and to be brought before them, where they examined them strictly, and according to their default, some were put to death, other had their ears and noses cut, and tongues flit, and many banished out of the Land: But the most part showing true repentance, and promising all obedience and quietness for the future, were pardonned and restored to their innocent wifes and children. Indeed the enormity of the crime deserved a greater and further punishment; but seeing it was found by the trial of the most guilty, that the most part were either drawn into this Rebellion by the cunning of some Malignant persons, or else were driven thereunto by open force, the Magistrates did content themselves with the blood of a very few, hoping that the punishment which is inflicted but upon a few, would have its influence upon many, and therefore employed all the rigour of the Law therein, that they might receive satisfaction for the charges of this Expedition, out of the Lands and Goods of the said Rebels. But as there is no crime or wickedness so great and heinous, which, as the Proverb saith, doth not find its Advocate and Patron: So was it likewise, that an Ambassador representing a great neighbouring Prince, did show himself so compassionate unto those Rebels and disturbers of the public Peace, that he did earnestly and instantly intercede for one of the chiefest Ringleaders, that he might be pardonned; but he did not only not obtain it, but was also rejected with much indignation, and the traitor executed that very day. But as for the chief Rebels they are not yet all brought unto execution, but several of them are reserved, especially their General, Lyonberger, on purpose, to see whether any thing may be found out concerning their complices and abettors, as well within as without the Country, that so they may be brought also to condign punishment, and the other be made sensible, that it is and will be generously resented. For there is no question to be made, but that there have been some of our potent neighbours, that have been tampering in this ugly business, longing to see the ruin of our Liberty, a great eyesore to many: even so may they that shall be found to have a hand in it, be made sensible that it is not so slight a matter, to abuse the Subjects of a neighbouring State, and to led them away from their due obedience; but ought to be taken notice of and resented. Neither is it to be believed, that any one, how powerful and mighty so ever he may think himself, durst adventure so far, or think it so small a thing, to appear openly in it, or to give the Rebels any assistance. The chiefest thing wherefore we are bound to praise God, is, that he was pleased so graciously and powerfully to assist the Magistrate, to grant them strength, and wisdom, and power, that this great Insurrection, the like as was never heard of before in this Country, should be thus quickly and with so little blood appeased, and they enabled to give their adversaries to understand, that it is not so easy a thing to meedle with them, no not in their greatest troubles and intrinsical divisions. Which I thought good to acquaint you with, to satisfy your curiosity, and to enable you to refute all other contrary informations authentically. Westminster, August 4. The House being informed that there was some Justices of Peace of the County of Kent, with a Petition, they were called in; and being come to the Bar, they presented a Petition, which after they were withdrawn, was red, and was entitled, The humble Petition of many the well-affected in the County of Kent; To the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England, The humble Petition of many of the well-affected of the County of Kent: Sheweth, THat though the Kings of the Earth have been unwilling that the anointed Jesus should reign: yet the observation of the out-goings of the most high in these latter days, causeth your Petitioners to believe, That the day of the accomplishment of the Promises on the behalf of the Son of righteousness is dawned, if not approached very near its Noon, who is weary always to behold the burdens on the backs, the Yokes on the necks, and to hear the Groans and cries from the mouths of his People; wherefore he hath poured forth a Spirit which hath encountered and vanquished our open Opressors, and poured contempt upon those who would be but partial Deliverers; the Sun of whose power set at noon, because it ripened not the Desires and Petitions of Gods people by a favourable influence, but suffered their hopes to blast, after so many Promises and Protestations, and so much expense of Treasure and Blood. The same God who hath pulled them down, hath set you up, but not to rule for yourselves, but for the people of God; nor to seek your own, but the honor of Christ: And we can do no less then hope and pray, That the Spirit of the Lord may fall down upon you( and teach you to rule after the heart of Christ) to whom we make bold to make this humble Address, not to interrupt your weighty affairs, or mis-doubting your Wisdom and Faithfulness, But only to show how our hearts own you as our Parliament; and to confess, We dare not neglect our assistance to the great Work of the Lord, though it be but in being your Remembrancers of what you have proposed to us of your desires in your late Declaration, to the breaking of all our Yokes, and removing all our burdens, at which our Souls joy. And to keep warm the breathing of that Spirit, We humbly crave leave to spread before you one Grand burden, under which we have groaned till our hearts ache; Humbly desiring, That tithes of all sorts, Root and Branch, may be abolished, That that Jewish and Antichristian Bondage and burden on the Estates and Consciences of the godly may cease and that we may not be ensnared with forced maintenance, or any thing like it in the stead thereof. And your Petitioners shall own the Lord in you, and bless the Lord for you and pray, hope and wait to fee your hands stretched out for the Lord, till you shall help to tear the flesh of the Whore, and burn her with fire. The Petitioners were again called in, and being come to the Bar, Mr. Speaker by command of the House did return them this Answer; Gentlemen, The House doth take notice of your good affection to the Parliament, and hath commanded me to tell you, That the business in your Petition is and shall be in due time under consideration; and that the House will do therein as the Lord shall direct them, and thereupon the Petitioners withdrew. A second Let●er from General monk, aboard the Resolution, 18. Leagues to the westward of the Texel, August 2. 1653. For the Right honourable the council of State. SInce mine to you yesterday( wherein I gave you an account of the goodness of God towards us, and appearance for us in the Engagement with our Enemies the day before, and that we were then in pursuit of them) there hath little more been done, night drawing on, and the Dutch making directly for the Texel with what sail they could; so that it was not thought fit for us to be so bold with the shore as they might, not knowing how the wind might take us, many of our ships being much disabled; but give order to a small Vessel or two to keep sight of them till the morning, and observe what course they steered; who in returning gave an account, that the enemy steered the same night into the Texel harbour, and had boats with ligh●s to show them the way in. Whereupon yesterday at a council of War, it was Resolved, that the whole fleet should forthwith set sail for Southold Bay, there to dispose of such Ships as are disabled, and to sand away our wounded men and Prisoners, of whom a certain account cannot be given at present; but I do present your Lordships with a general account here enclosed, referring the condition of the Wives and Families of those who are slain, to your Lordships tender care, wherein I doubt not but you will have respect to their necessities. An Estimate of Prisoners taken, also how many ships of the enemies sunk and fired, and how many men of our own killed and wounded in the Engagement with the Dutch, July 29 and 31. 1653. as it was sent from the General. Prisoners taken, One thousand: Ships sunk and fired, of which some were taken, and after fired and sunk, that we might not be hindered in the pursuit, Thirty or there abouts. Men of our own slain 250. or there abouts. Wounded 700. or there abouts. The Oak, and one Fire ship of our own burnt. Slain. Andrew,— Cap. Thomas Graves. Golden-Cock,— Cap. edmond Chapman. William,— Cap. John Tailor. May-flower Merchant,— Cap. William Newman. Prosperous,— Cap Crisp. phoenix,— Cap own Cox. Wounded. Triumph,— Cap. Peacock. laurel— Cap. John Stokes. Dragon,— Cap. John Seaman. Portland,— Cap. William Rous. Assurance,— Cap. P. Holland. Tulep.— Cap. joseph Cubit. The House thereupon did refer it to the Commissioners for ordering and managing the affairs of the Admiralty and Navy, to consider of some provision to be made for the Wives and Children of the Captains slain in this Service, and Report their opinion therein to the House. Now for further satisfaction to Mariners and Sea men, here is inserted some Votes and Resolutions of Parliament, of 22. December, 165●. mentioned in Wednesdays Proceedings: and are as followeth: As to sick and wounded men. REsolved by the Parliament, that for supplying of necessary Provisions unto sick and wounded men on board, there be allowed by the State, Five pounds for six moneths service for every hundred men. Resolved, &. That upon the discharge of sick and wounded men from the ships of the States service, care be taken for the payment of their Tickets and Conduct money. Resolved, &c. That directions be given to all Majors, bailiffs or other Magistrates in any Port-Towns, to take care for all necessary accommodations as the charge of the State, for the relief and cure of such sick and wounded men as shall be sent on shore: Resolved, &c. That a convenient house be provided in or near Dover, Deal or Sandwich, as an Hospital, for the receipt and accommodation of wounded men that shall be there sent on shore. Resolved, &c. That the moiety of all Hospitals in England, employed for the cure of wounded and sick people, be reserved during this War at sea, for such as shall be wounded in the service of the Navy, as they shall become voided, from and after the first of january next. Resolved &c. That the tent●… s 〈◇〉 a●… prizes taken or to be taken, customarily due to the Lord High-Admiral, be appointed for defraying the charges of sick and wounded men aforesaid, and for the relief of widows, children and impotent Parents of such as shall be slain in the service of the Commonwealth at Sea, and for medals, or other rewards to such Officers and Seamen of the Fleet, as shal be found to have done any eminent or extraordinary service. Resolved &c. That it be referred to the Commissioners appointed by Act of Parliament, for ordering and managing the affairs of the Admiralty and Navy, with power to see the particulars aforementioned put in execution, to give such orders from time to time, as shall be requisite for the effecting thereof; and to cause publication to be made of the promises, in such manner as they shall think fit. The same day also, being August 5. t●e House took into debate, according to former Order, the business of the Court of Chancery, and it was Resolved upon the Question: That the High Court of Chancery of England, shall be forthwith taken away, and that a Bill be brought in for that purpose. Resolved, that it be referred to the Committee of the Law, to prepare a Bill for this purpose, and to report it to the House. Ordered, that it be referred to the same Committee, to consider how the Causes now depending in Chancery may be determined; and likewise, a Provision for determining matters of equity for the future, and putting in order other matters of Law which are within the Jurisdiction of that Court, and forthwith bring in a Bill for that purpose. Westminster, August 8. An additional Act for stating and determining the Accounts of the Officers and Souldiers of the Army in Ireland, was this day passed, and ordered to be printed and published. It was ordered also, that several Gold-Chains be sent to General black and Gen. Monk, as a mark of favour from the Parliament, and in token of their good acceptance of the eminent services performed by them against the Dutch; as also to the Vice-Admiral Pen, and Rere-Admiral Lawson, upon the same consideration; and some other Chains to be given to the four Flag-Officers; and Medals to be bestowed among the Officers of the Fleet, as a mark of the Parliaments favour, and good acceptance of their service. A Bill touching marriages, and registering thereof; and also of Births and burials, was this day red and Committed. Resolved upon the Question by the Parliament; That a day be set apart for a Solemn thanksgiving to Almigh●y God, for his great mercy in the late success vouchsafed unto the Navy of this Commonwealth against the Dutch; and that a Declaration be prepared, to invite the people of God in the Nation to join in the observation thereof. Resolved, that Thursday next come fortnight, being the 25 instant, be the day wherein the Parliament shall meet for that purpose at Margaret●s Church in Westminster. And Mr. own and Mr. Cradock are desired to perform the exercise of that day. From Plymouth, August 2. There is come into this harbour the Love of London from East-India; which makes report of about 4 of our East-Indy ships taken by the Dutch in those remote Parts; but they had not their full fraught. From Paris, August 13. stilo novo. Notwithstanding the Agreement made at Bourdeaux, the Court are much unsatisfied, and hath repealed all the capitulations of Agreement made with that City, and whatsoever was promised by the Dukes of Vendosme and Candale, and have sent them orders to quit the City, and besiege it again, and retake it at discretion, only that their lives and goods shall be saved. The Princess of Conde hath so much jealousy of the Prince of Conti, her husbands brother, who commanded there in his brothers behalf, that she hath said openly he was a traitor, a Bastard, and unworthy of the name of Bourbon; charging him, that he hath made his Agreement above three months before; and so no wonder that the Court was so favourable to his Interest, and so willing to comply for his advantage. There is nothing here but Injustice, and appearance of putting all men into despair, both concerning the General and Particular. It is given out as certain, that charles Stewart is to be gone out of hand and that the money is ready for his intended voyage; which( some sa●) is for some part of the Low Countries, that he may be near to sl●p into the United Provinces, i● his sisters party can effect any thing for him. This Court intends to make up a new Fleet, to be added to that under the Duke of Vendosme. There is a Pirate of 36 guns, to go suddenly out of breast; and with him there are to join 7 or 8 jester F●… ars, part commissionated by the Dutch, and part by Cha●ls Stewart. Here is ne●s come, that at Names, there is an Ambassador arrived from Portugal. The Prince of Conde is become very considerable, and exceeds the King in number of Forces, being reported 7000 foot, and 1000 horse, besides the Spanish Auxiliary Army under the command of the Count of Euensaldagne, which makes 13000 horse and foot more. He hath sent divers Challenges to Marshal Turein to fight which the marsh I declines, having orders so to do, and indeed is the weakedly at least 7000. But for his recruit, ten Companies of the Kings Guards, with several Troops, are sent unto him. This declining on the Kings part, hath given Conde an opportunity to get within eight leagues of this C●…, plundering all, his Germans ravishing the Nuns, and ransacking all religious houses, firing Suburbs of ●owns, and enforcing Contribution from others. He made wa●… fa●, as to come and dine at his own house. The design of the Court is, to avoid fighting this year, and let him tyre out his Army: But the question is, whether they can avoid him. From the Hague, August 8. stilo novo. We are here in daily expectation of an engagement between the two 〈…〉 news being come that Admiral Tromp is got out to Sea with 84 Sail, hoping to unite with those that are to go out from the Texel, which are the most substantial and serviceable ships. They say now, they are resolv●d all for boarding, and that it shall 〈◇〉 water to get another victory over them. The men seem resolved, and count themselves better at sea fight than the English: Thus they brag abroad and ashore; and for encouragement of the Seamen, the States have proclaimed very great rewards for such as shall deserve well: As, that they shall have all the shipping they can take, the State not intending to claim any share. Also that they shall have so many thousand gilders over and above, who can take the English Admiral, and some thousands less who can take the English 'vice Admiral, and a good reward is assigned for him who takes down the Flag of the English Admiral. And now, if this, with the help of gunpowder and Brandewine, will not do it, I know not what will do next; for, Proclamation hath been made of these G●atuities throughout the whole Fleet, by order of the High and Mighties. Just while I am writing this, several Intelligences are brought in hither of the great guns playing loudly this afternoon at sea; so that we all conclude an Engagement, and mighty earnest gaping there is for the event of the business. And if it go against them, it is a great question what course shall be taken; for, they have not so much as a thought yet, and cannot endure to hear of giving satisfaction or security to England; especially in this Town of the Hague, where the Cavalier and Orange party are rampant, and will improve all their wits and interest to make this people desperate, that they may ride them on in their designs against England, and( if possible) get an admission of charles Stewart in among them; and then this State will be made to bear his charges in all attempts whatsoever. Here hath newly been a very great confusion in this place; and all upon the return of the young Prince of Orange to Court: For, the boyes having of late shewed themselves often in arms a training, they beat their drums in the name of the Prince, and wore his colours: And when the Prince drew near, they went out of Town yesterday, and met him, and brought him in in warlike equipage, with drums beating, and colours flying, which being done, and the Prince lodged at Court, they began to grow very high, being whispered in the ear by their abestors, that they fell to breaking of the Fiscal windows; which they did to some purpose, notwithstanding that two Companies of Souldiers were set to guard the house. Afterwards they fell on the house of de Wit of Dort, and spoiled it. From thence they went to the house which belonged to the States of Holland, where they did the like; but then were dispersed by 4 troops of horse. What account will be taken of this business, a little time will show, But it's conceived there are too many countenancers of this Riot, even among those who have power, and ought to punish it. A List of the Dutch Captains taken Prisoners. Cornelius Evertson Vice-Admiral of Zealand, and Captain of the Zealand-Lyon, 28 Guns, and 130 men, sunk: Clause Johnson Zanger, Cap of the Westcappal, 26 Guns, and 104 men, sunk: Andrew Forteen, Capt of the Concord of Zirick-zee, 22 Guns, 100 men, burnt. Gerbron Scotter, Capt of the Golden Dolphin, 30 Guns, 110 men, sunk. Frederick Stillingworth, Capt of the Seven- wooden, 38 Guns, 135 men, sunk. John de hays, Commander of the Garland, a ship formerly taken from us by the Dutch, 44 Guns, 180 men, burnt. It is much suspected there are more Captains Prisoners, though not yet known. The Dutch had about 33 of their ships sunk, fired and destroyed, of which some were sunk after they were taken, that the service might not be hindered: Each of our Flag-ships the enemy had designed to fire, but Providence disappointed them: Two Fire ships lay on board the Triumph and Andrew, which begun to take fire on their sails, and 15 of our men leaped over board, and were drowned to avoid the fire: yet God put courage into some of the men, so as that they made shift to put off the Fireships before they came to their Hulls: The Dutch East-India ships and others, to the number of 18 are at Bergen in Norway: Our English fleet is gone to Sole-Bay to recruit with all things necessary, whither some of the Commissioners of the Admiralty are gone to them, and all manner of materials will be provided, that they may speedily out again; The General hath left 24 sail plying before the Texel, and 14 sail of fresh ships are gone to them. Two of the Dutch Deputies, the Heers Beverning and Newport, departed hence with Leave, the day after the news of the victory; the other two remain here stil: From Paris comes a Letter dated August 16 stilo novo; which contains nothing more then in confirmation of the former Intelligence; adding this only, that charles Stuart fell very sick of a fever two days before: Aug. 10. Mistris Lilburne presented a Petition to the Parliament on the behalf of her Husband; which occasioned the following Order, Wednesday August 10. 1653. REsolved upon the Question by the Parliament, That the Vote of this House of the second of August instant, for the close Imprisonment of Lieut. colonel John Lilburn be taken off in Order to his trial. Hen. Scobell Clerk of the Parliament. Mr. Lilburne this day appearing at the Bar, The Court demanded of him, whether he would stand to his former Exceptions; to which he answered, that he had been 8. or 10. days a close Prisoner, his friends not suffered to come to him, and his Counsel was out of Town, whereby he was rendered incapable; and therefore desired till the end of the Sessions: notwithstanding, if his council should not come, he resolved to go on with the business himself, though he should put his life in hazard. Mr. Lilburne likewise told the Court, That he would cast his life upon Oyer, and demanded time to prepare himself. To which the Recorder answered, we know you have nothing but your Exceptions, and you may take till to morrow at noon, and as to the Oyer the Court will be satisfied in that themselves: Mr. Lilburne told the Court, That if he might enjoy the Laws of England, his business should never come to a Jury This is the sum of what passed as to his trial this day. licenced and Entred according to the late Act for Printing. London Printed by Tho, Newcomb, 1658.