A true and exact NARRATIVE Of the Proceed of the Parliaments Fleet, against the Island OF BARBADOES.  
With the manner of the Reducing thereof: Together with the submitting of the Islands of St. Christopher's, Antego, and St. Mevis, to the Commonwealth of ENGLAND.  
Written by an Eyewitness, Mr. T. H. from aboard the Amity, in Carlisle Bay, and sent to a Friend in London, to be published for satisfaction, and printed verbatim by the same Copy.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Harper in Smithfield, 165●.   

An exact Narrative of the reducing of the Island of BARBADOES, etc.  
IN July 1651. the Fleet apppointed for the reducing of Barbadoes, under the Command of Sir George Aiscough, set sail from Plymouth, viz. the Rainbow, whereof Admiral Sir George Aiscough of 52 Guns, the Amity whereof Vice Admiral Michael Pack of 36 Guns, the Su●ses whereof Captain Witheridge, the Ruth whereof Captain Thomson, the Maliga Merchant whereof Captain Colin, the Brazeel Frigate whereof Captain Heath, the Increase whereof Captain Varvill with some Merchant men and Victuallers: this Fleet set sail from Plymouth the 27, of the month aforesaid, and at the beginning of August following we arrived before Lisbon, where having stayed three days, and understanding that Prince Rupert was not there, we departed from thence, and on the 26. of August we arrived at the Cape Verde, where we stayed to refresh 11 days, and in regard our beer stanke, we were constrained to throw it over board, and to fill our Casks with water; which having done, we proceeded on a direct course in our voyage to Barbadoes, in which we were very long, by reason of the exceeding heavy saying of some of our ships, viz. the Brazeel Frigate, the Increase, Ruth, and Maliga Merchant, so that it was the 16. of October before we arrived at the Barbadoss, early in the morning.  
Being arrived as is before mentioned, Sir George Aiscough sent three ships, viz. the Amity, Surses, and the Maliga Merchant, to take a view of Carlisle Bay, the Body of the Fleet coming after with what speed they could into S. Augustine's Bay; having before apppointed, that if any occasion were for a remove to our ships at Carlisle Bay, that the Amity should make a sign, which they said they did, but it could not be seen by the Officer who was apppointed to watch for the same; however, presently after we saw those ships go into the Bay by one of the Island Forts, and a Shalop came from them, and informed us thereof, and also of their being fifteen sail of ships and Galiots in that Bay, whereupon Sir George immediately commanded the whole Fleet to weigh Anchor, and fail down to the Bay, and was met by a small Boat with a flag of Truce in her, and being commanded to come on board us, they refused, whereupon we fetched them in, and in her there was the Lord Wiloughby●● Marshal, whom we detained Prisoner; but in the mean time the Shalop returning which came to us was twice shot at from the Fort at Nedam point.  
Whereupon Sir George commanded the Master of the Rainbow to sail as near the Fort as possible he could for depth of Water, and so we came within half Musket shot of the Fort, which presently gave us many shot. some of which took place in our ships, but the whole Fleet lost but one man; but Sir George caused the Rainbow to power a whole broad side upon them of no less than 26 great shot, which (being so near) we believe was to purpose; also the rest of our ships, as they passed by, shot at them many shot, and so we came all into Carlisle Bay, where we found that our three ships (which we had before sent thither) had seized on all the ships in the Bay, except three of the smallest, who saved themselves by running a ground: thus we surprised 12 sail of ships and Galliots, the which were all Dutch and Hamburgers. Sir George now caused more men to be put aboard of every ship, and commanded them to be brought from under the Command of the Forts, which were four in all, viz. the Fort at Spikes Bay, the Fort at St. Augustine's Bay, the Fort at Carlisle Bay, and the Fort at Nedam point; the next day we took another Dutch ship coming to Trade here, she was a Vessel of 25 pieces of Ordnance, her lading also was of a considerable value; those we had before taken in the Bay, were some of 18. 16. 12. and 10. Guns, and some less; the Commanders of all these ships being on board us, they had given them an empty Vessel to carry them to Antego, they earnestly desiring the same.  
After we had proceeded thus far in order to the reducing of this Island, and not withstanding our tedious voyage, which was full 11. weeks, yet all our people were in health, although by reason of our going to Portugal held so southerly a course that we did expect some sickness, and then at our arrival to surprise so many Vessels under all their Forts, with the loss only of one man, although we exchanged many pieces of Cannon with them, all which we had abundant cause to acknowledge were the Lords transcendent mercies unto us.  
All this while the Lord Willoughby so little regarded our being here, as that he with Col. Wolrond, Col. Mudiford, and other of his chief Officers continued feasting of it 12 miles up in the Island; the cause of this their contempt of us, (we heard) was because that some Dutch men (who arrived here a little before us) had published about the Island, that before they came from Holland, certain Intelligence was come thither, how that the Scotch King having routed the Lord General Cromwell in Scotland, was marched into England with an Army of 40000 men, and that he was very near, or in London; and moreover, that our Fleet was run away from England, to seek for shelter in another place: and for the better confirmation of it, they brought with them several printed Duchess Diurnals, all relating the same matter.  
But now the Lord Willoughby hearing that his Marshal was taken by us, first sent a Message unto Captain Pack, thereby desiring the speedy release of his said Marshal but Captain Pack returned Answer, that Sir George Aiscough had the Command of the Fleet, without whose Order his Lordship's Marshal could not be released.  
Whereupon his Lordship presently sent a Letter to Sir George, therein signifying, that he having understood from Capt. Pack that his Marshal detained, could not be released without his Order, he therefore desired that his said Marshal might forthwith be released, and returned unto him with his Trumpeter who brought his Lordship's Letter; but Sir George returned this for Answer, that his Marshal being taken without his Lordships Pass, he therefore desired to be excused, if at present he did not satisfy his Lordship's request in that particular.  
Shortly after this Sir George sent a summons unto the Lord Willoughby to this effect, that the Island of Barbadoes being a Colony and Plantation, settled at the cost, and planted by the people and Parliament of England, and aught therefore to be subject to such Laws, Orders, and Regulations as are, and shall be made by the Parliament of England; and whereas many Acts of Rebellion had been committed among them, setting up themselves opposite to, and distinct from the State and Common wealth of England, as was mentioned by an Act of Parl. bearing date Sept. 1650. passed to that purpose.  
And that the Parliament of the Common wealth of England, the supreme Authority of that Nation, having taken the defection of that Island from their due obedience into their consideration, had armed and set forth a greet Fleet of Ships under his Command to endeavour (by the blessing of God) the reducing of that Island; and being safely arrived there to prevent the ruin and destruction of the Island, by such acts of hostility wherewith he was sufficiently able to annoy them: he did therefore think fit to send unto his Lordship this summons to deliver up to him the said Island of Barbadoes, with all the Strengths, Fortifications, Ports, and places thereof, for the use of the Parliament of England. The Lord Willoughby having received this summons, returned a peremptory answer, to this effect.  
That upon the arrival of Sir George his Messenger, he rather expected some overture about our making reparation for those acts of hostility committed by us, upon those ships in the Bay, and the person of his Marshal, than such an unreasonable demand, as in his estimation Sir George his summons was: and his Lordship returned Answer, briefly thus: That he acknowledged no Authority over English men, but the King; for whom, he said, he was resolved to defend and keep the Island, unto the utmost of his strength and power; all which he assured us was his firm resolution; withal directing it to, on board His Majesty's ship the Rainbow.  
Sir George finding now that the way of summons would produce no effect, and not being then in capacity to attempt any thing on shore; he resolved to hinder them from having any Trading at sea, and also to alarm them constantly, from place to place about the Island, thereby to hinder them from planting and managing their affairs in the Island; it being conceived that this way might prove most conducible and effectual to bring them to their due obedience. And to the end no rational opportunity might be left unassayed by us, whereby we might make this, then stubborn Island, know their obedience to their Lawful Superiors, it was resolved that a Declaration should be drawn up and signed by the Parliaments Commissioners, on board the Fleet, and sent it unto the Islanders, the which Declaration was to this effect.  
That they the Commissioners thought it not amiss to send unto them the Gentlemen, Inhabitants, and free people of the Island of Barbadoes, the Copy of a Summons sent unto the Lord Willoughby, upon our arrival before this Island; from whom they having received no satisfactory Answer, and being tender of the good and welfare of the Island, and being not willing to omit all amicable and friendly ways to reduce it to its due obedience, before they proceeded to acts of hostility; did think fit, to send the same or said summons unto them, viz that the Island being a Plantation and Colony which ought to be subordinate to, and depending upon the Common wealth of England; and had ever since the planting thereof been, and aught to be, subject to such Laws, Orders, and Regulations, as were or should be made, by, and derived from, the Parliament of England: and whereas divers acts of Rebellion had been committed by some persons amongst them, setting up themselves in opposition unto and distinct from the State and Common wealth of England; the Parliament of England, the supreme Authority of that Nation, having taken into their consideration the defection of the Island, from their due obedience, and resenting the burdens and opprested estate the people of the Island then lay under, by the present prevailing power over them: and they being studious to promote the peace and welfare of the Island, under their power and protection, had not spared the expense of a great sum of Treasure, to arm and set forth a great Fleet of ships, though at a great distance of place, and having apppointed themselves as Commissioners, to endeavour by the blessing of God the reducing of the Island, and to settle the peace and safety thereof, and to establish them in their wont privileges and immunities, as might conduce to the well being, and flourishing state of the Island.  
And that they being by the blessing of God in safety arrived here, had as much as in them lay, endeavoured to prevent the ruin and destruction of the Island, by forbearing such acts of hostility, by which we were sufficiently able to annoy them; not doubting but seeing their own liberty, and safety both of their persons and estates; lay at stake, by their complying with such as were, or should continue to be theirs and the enemies of the Commonwealth of England then amongst them; but if they would so do, it would constrain us to use such hostile ways to reduce the Island, as by which their long laboured for estates, and in joyments would be endangered; but rather that they would lay hold on this opportunity, to regain their freedom and wont privileges, and not rashly engage themselves in a quarrel against the Common wealth of England; and at length instead of reaping the benefit and fruit of their many years labour and industry in this so hopeful and flourishing an Island, make it become the seat of War, the sad events and consequences thereof in the Island, if God prevented not, they would be (when too late) sufficiently sensible of, to the ruin of themselves and their posterities; whatever the specious pretences of any among them were, as if they minded the good and welfare of the Island, and that they could not be ignorant, but they were altogether unable to give them protection or liberty of freedom, without which the Island could no way subsist, but in their due obedience to the Common Wealth of England, whose Authority God hath sealed, to the astonishment of their Neighbour Nations, having wonderfully appeared for them in their Armies by Land, and Navies by Sea, against their Enemies in England, Ireland, and Scotland, the two former whereof, being by the blessing of God, on the unwearied endeavours of the Parliament, with the expense of much blood and treasure, settled in their long desired rest and Peace, from the bondage and servitude they were so long held under, by Tyrannical Kingly power, and government: and are become a Republic, a Free State: and that the foundation of War having been by the same Enemy laid and carried on in Scotland, God hath there also wonderfully appeared for us, and brought that War to a narrow compass, if not ere then to a period, the power of God being so eminently seen in our Armies, as that the Enemy have not been able to stand before them. These things the Commissioners laid before them, if they pleased to take them into consideration, to prevent the effusion of blood, and a devastation of their estates enjoyments, which inevitably would follow their contempt of timely offers of peace and mercy: and that wherever the interest of the Commonwealth of England lieth, be it at never so great a distance, they would not be soon wearied to lay out that power God hath put into their hands, to reduce such to their obedience, as shall obstinately stand out; but that they rather hoped that the Lord, who is the searcher of hearts, and knew the bottom of their designs, to be no other but to settle the Island in peace and happiness under that Government, who is both willing and able to protect them against all opposers, and that they hoped the Lord would so incline their hearts, that from thenceforth they would be able to judge who were their real friends, and decline giving their assistance to those evil affected persons, as should persist in their rebellion, to involve them altogether in misery and destruction; but rather use their best endeavours to suppress them; and in their actings of this kind, they assured them that they might rely upon the diligent assistance of the Fleet; and for the better effecting of those ends, they desired to hold frequent intelligence with them, and for their further encouragement, they did assure them indemnity to all such as should for the future decline assisting the enemies of the Common wealth of England, then among them, and endeavour to promote the reducement of the Island, to their obedience under their government and protection.  
This Declaration of the Commissioners being published about the Island, took such impression upon the people of the Island, that in all probability the Island had been ours without any further hostility, had they not been overawed and kept under by the Lord Willoughby, and his Complices; so that they durst not appear for us openly, they being (as they had great cause to be) very sensible of the decay and want of Trade amongst them, in regard that no ships durst venture to come and traffic with them, by reason of our being here; as also their being continually kept upon watch and duty, to defend the Island against us, whereby the Island was much impoverished, the planting and n●●●uring of the Island being almost wholly neglected upon which account the people would gladly have been freed, upon any rate, as afterward we found at our Landing.  
But now advertisement came unto Sir George Aiscough, how that the Governor of S. Christopher's was drowned, and that there was a contest between two persons in that Island for the Government thereof. Sir George not knowing at present how their affections stood, in reference to the Common wealth of England, resolved with the Commissioners of Parliament to send a Declaration unto them, to this effect:  
That they being informed the Governor of that Island was carried away by a flood, and that there was a contest between two persons among them, for the Government of the Island, and they not knowing either of their, or the Island affections to the Parliament of England; did therefore require them speedily to give an account unto them, how the affairs of the Island stood, in reference to their obedience to the Common wealth of England; and not to choose a Governor, other than such as they should appoint: with this farther intimation, that in case they did otherwise, such course should speeddy be taken with them, as might make them sensible of their defection.  
We having now been before this Island, from the 16 of October 1651 unto the 10 of November following, the greatest part of the which time we spent in coasting, from place to place, about the Island, thereby to keep them in alarms in all parts of the Island, hoping that way would conduce to the speedy rendition of it; also within compass of the said time Sir George Aiscough sent a second, and a third summons unto the Lord Willoughby, the which proving ineffectual, it was resolved at a Counsel of War, held on board the Rainbow to attempt something ashore, at a place called the Spikes Bay; the which we were now the better able to do, by the arrival of another Fleet of Merchants, and some Men of War from England: and to the end aforesaid, a Regiment was form out of our ships, which consisted of 600. men, whereof 200. were Scots, being some of those taken at the defeat at Worcester, and brought hither in the Merchant's ships aforesaid.  
The Enemy having notice of our design, four hours before our landing, they had nine Companies afoot, and three Troops of Horse, to oppose our landing at that place; and our Boats being ready to set the men on shore forthwith stood in for the Spikes bay; and having set the men on shore, the Enemy presently gave a very resolute Charge upon them: but no sooner had we embraced their onset, but we immediately fell in among them, and after a short, but hot dispute, we routed their whole Brigade, their Commanders like  Cowards ran away, and left the Foot engaged; who also retreated to their Fort Royal: the which our men presently stormed, with the loss of nine men, and some few hurt, as Col. Morris, who commanded our men; his Major, and some others; the said Col. Morris did behave himself very gallantly, both at this place, and also before at the reducing of the Isle of Scilly: the which we performed, with the assistance of General Blake, in our Voyage hither: we killed about 50. of the Enemy, and took about 100L. Prisoners, 4 Pieces of Ordnance, and razed down the Fort, and burned many houses, the place not being tenable.  
Sir George again sent a Trumpeter, with another Summons to the Lord Willoughby, the which produced a Treaty, and Hostages being given, Articles were concluded on, viz. that the Islands of Barbadoes, St. Christopher's, Antego, and the Mevis, should be surrendered to the obedience of the Commonwealth of England: that the Lord Willoughby, Col. Wolrond, Col. Mudiford, and others of their Party should have protection for the enjoyment of their Estates, either in England or elsewhere: and also be pardoned and indemnified for all past by Actions, done or committed by any of them: that the Inhabitants of the several Islands should be protected from the fury of the sword, and to enjoy and live peaceably in their Habitations; acting nothing prejudicial to the Government which should be established over them, by the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England.  
And that Col. James Drax, Col. Lewis Morris, Sergeant Major Hilliard, Captain Gregory, and all others, who had been banished the Island, and their Estates sequestered for their good affection to the Commonwealth of England, should be invested in all their Estates; notwithstanding the former Confiscation thereof; and that restitution should be made unto them for all damages and losses which they had sustained.  
But now the Inhabitants of the Islands of St. Christopher's, Antego, and St. Mevis, hearing of the rendition of Barbadoes to us, did all of them immediately send unto us, assuring us that they would cheerfully submit to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England; and that they would be subject only to such Laws, Orders, and Regulations, as the Parliament should please to impose upon them: Also they desired us to appoint in the mean time such Governors over them, as were of good integrity, and affection to the Parliament of the Commonwealth of England.  
Thus were all these remote Islands reduced to the obedience of the Commonwealth of England, from which they revolted in the year, 1650. and proclaimed Charles Stewart, King over them, and did accept of such Governors as he appointed over them viz. Francis Lord Willoughby of Parham, Governor of Barbadoes, who landed there in April. 1650. and with the assistance of Col. Wolrord, and Col. Mudiford, and some other evil affected persons, he outed Major Philip Bell, who was then Governor for the Parliament of England: and also banished all those who would not join with them in their pernicious ways, or take the oath which the said Lord Willoughby and his Associates had prepared to administer, to the Inhabitants of the Island: the which they compelled every man in the Island to take, upon pain of banishing their Persons, and confiscating the Estates of all such as should refuse to subscribe thereunto: but notwithstanding all this their sharp Rhetoric and violent dealing, yet several conscientious persons of the best repute & quality in the Island, did utterly refuse either to join with them, or take the Oath aforesaid, who were therefore banished the Island, and their Estates sequestered wholly, both real and personal; the chief of them who were thus proceeded against, were Lieutenant Colonel James Drax, Lieutenant Colonel Lewis Morris, Serjeant Major Hiliard, Captain Gregory with many others, whose names for brevity sake shall be omitted: also the Governor appointed at the same time of Antego, was one Poynz, formerly known in England by the name of General Poynz; those also who were appointed Governors of the other Islands being of the same Royal Stamp, were no whit behind the former in oppressing and tyrannising over those people, from all which they were happily delivered by the blessing of God upon the endeavours of the Parliaments Fleet, Commanded by the worthy and right valiant Sea Commander, Sir George Aiscough.  
FINIS.