MUSGRAVE Muzzled: OR THE TRADUCER Gagged Being a Just VINDICATION Of the Right Honourable Sr. ARTHUR HASLERIG, And all other Persons herein Concerned.  
From the Scandalous Imputations, and Forged Articles Exhibited by * JOHN MUSGRAVE.  *— His niger est, bunc tu Romane caveto. 
Newcastle, Printed by S. B. 1650.   

MUSGRAVE Muzzled: OR THE TRADUCER Gagged, etc.  
THe Devil, who still repines at the Justice of God in his Damnation, doth always meditate revenge against the Righteous Power which condemned him. But because he is not able to oppose God in himself, he assaults him in his Creatures, and carries on his Theomacky with attempts upon weak mortality: And first, he endeavours to make us (like himself) sons of perdition, and so deprive us of that felicity which he has forfeited; but where he cannot rule he tyranniseth; whom he cannot pervert, he persecutes; like a savage enemy, who being denied the possession of a City, falls on with fire and sword to ruin it. Thus that wicked spirit share; his malice upon the whole race of humanity, seduceth us to be wicked, as he did Adam; or afflicts us for being good as he did Job: undermines our souls, or disturbs the comfort of our lives, and seeks to rob us of our temporal or eternal happiness.  
Now the chiefest adjuncts and properties of the Devil, are his malice and falsehood, which two, furnish him with Artillery enough to be what he is denominated, Diabolus, an Accuser. From this grand Accuser (who is both the Tempter and Informer, betrays us to bad actions, and belies our good) do proceed all those Spirits of obloquy, and hatred: who, while they traduce other men's integrity, endeavour to make them, and wish they were, as criminous as they pretend to prove them; and so, in a manner, contribute to the advancement of sin, study nothing but mischief and division, and glory in the destruction of oppressed innocence; whereby they evidently appear the Solicitors of Hell, to be tutourd by the Devil, and to receive Instructions from that spirit of Malignity and error.  
But, Quos perdere vult Jupiter, dementat. And sure some Spirit of Delusion has infatuated this inconsiderate wretch to assume these desperate Resolutions, and to discharge aloft this pernicious darts, which may justly descend with deserved Vengeance upon his own head; to calumniate and provoke so much eminence and worth, and like besotted Haman, prepare the Instrument of his own Execution, whilst the lustre of that luminary which he covets to obscure, grows more conspicuous by this eclipse and all the scandalous imputations make up a veil, not to cloud, but cover; not to deface, but defend him from the casual spots and accidental blemishes, which otherwise might have sollied the purity of his high actions, and great employments: For false Articles, are good mementoes to prevent true ones: and this occurrence will be a seasonable advisce to this Honourable Personage to beware of real miscarriages, since forged and pretended one's give such loud Alarms.  
That Innocence (how singular and superlative soever) should be depraved, is a contingency inevitable in this World, which is composed of good and bad. In Shime●'s mouth, David is a man of Belial. Joseph was accused of Incontinency, merely because he would not consent to be dishonest, and suffered for that impiety which he refused to commit. No wonder then to hear the clamours of this Rabshekah, who only vomits out his own shame, and proves himself the retainer to that filth, which he hath with so much impious sedulity raked together and delights to wallow in. For all the guilt proceeds from his corrupted mouth, and can be traced no further than his own scandalous Pamphlet, which like a soul overchared piece, will recoil in his own face, and bestow upon him the reward of Cain, due to all such, who repine that others service should be more acceptable than their own, and pursue meritorious actions with enmity and revenge.  
P. Scipio Aff●●eanus, that admirable Roman, who in a plunge of Public calamity (when all their Forces in Spain were defeated. Hannibal ad Portas and all Rome was but one coward) durst only undertake the Spanish expedition went on Victoriously conquered all Spain, subdued Carthage, and utterly vanquished Hannibal, was after all this cited before the Senate, and a Public charge exhibited against him by the Pet●lis the same day, whereon formerly he had defeated Hannibal and the Carthagenians. But he instead of contesting with his litigious Adversaries, bade them all go give thanks for the happiness of that day, and pray for more such as he had been, and so immediately repairing to his anniversary devotions, drew all the people after him, and appeared more glorious that day, then when he road in Triumph through the City.  
The consideration of this pregnant instance may give some satisfaction to the World, and this worthy Person upon this occasion and be an example how to treat all such Impudent incendiaries, and their seditious Articles: which are best answered with contempt and deserve no other confutation, then to be neglected: as was the prudent deportment of this present Lord General Cromwell, when he was baited by a keener whelp of this accusative Litter, and bespatterd with the contumelies of that Arch-boutefeu, who might employ his own manufacture upon himself and creatures, and spend all his Soap to wash his own and their corrupted mouths.  
There are some Pictures which at several distances represent different Forms. These Articles are such a piece of Imposture: For at the first cursory superficial view, they delineate only John Musgrave, but after a serious perusal, and a strict examination of particulars, they evidently betray a Lilburne. Our eyes or spectacles, discern only a smaller Meteor, but by the benefit of a telescope, we may behold a prodigious Comment, ominous to the peace of this Commonwealth. These conjectures may be deduced from several particulars in the Articles: For much of the injustice which is imputed to Sir Arthur Haselrigge, has principal relation to Mr. George Lilburne, and most of those persons which are here excepted against, were great sufferers under Mr. Liburnes tyranny, and were Agents and Witnesses in the prosecution of several charges against him, as Mr. Wrey, Mr. Lampton, Mr. Colston, etc. as will appear hereafter. Thus 'tis very probable, that Mr. Lilburne is the retired contriver, and close dictator and John Musgrave only the trunk he speaks through, a vizard, stalking horse, and mercenary Solicitor: In brief, George Lilburnes hackney, and John Lilburnes Ape.  
And now 'tis time to enter the Lists with this Hydra this monster of seventeen heads, and without returning any thing to his opprobrious scurrilities (which are but false fires, and give no report) bid defiance to his Articles, which though they make a noise, and smoke are charged with Powder only, can do no execution and are indeed but scandals in array, and reproaches marshaled into rank and file.  

The Articles.  
1. THat Sir Arthur Haslerigge contrary to his Engagement to the Council of State, and Council of States Declarations upon the Petitioners exceptions, procured lately such in the County of Cumberland, to be Justices of the Peace, Commissioners for Sequestrations, Commissioners for the Ministry, and Commissioners for the Militia there, as were known Delinquents, and such as are disaffected to the present Government, and complying with the Scottish Interest, as by the charge against them hereunto annexed, and another charge against them, formerly exhibited to the Council of Sat may appear.  
That Sir Arthur upon the clamours of a busy impertinent, should give Engagement of his fidelity to the Council of State, doth show how tender he is of the satisfaction of that great Court, as to prefer their security before his own honour; and after a continued series of so many years active, cordial, important service, to allow his integrity to be questioned, and renew his security for his future industry.  
As for Delinquent Commissioners, if any such there be in Cumberland (for in the three other Counties he objects none) 'tis probable Sir Arthur understands them better than the Accuser; has had experience of their fidelity and knows the Commonwealth may without prejudice commit Public Employments to their trust: and how discreet & happy he hath been in his election is evidenced by their faithful service to the Army in Scotland, and by their care and expedition in raising and sending considerable and mature supplies from these four Northern Counties. Thus they were worthy of his choice before he admitted them, or were made so by his trusting them; For we may oblige some to be faithful and by confiding in them, make many honest; and 'tis more glorious to convert a Delinquent, then to punish him. Again, if there be any Delinquents made use of 'tis to be presumed they are in places of no great concernment, or joined in Commission with others of known integrity and judgement, who would easily discover, and over power their designs should they attempt to be perfidious; and perhaps that County has been so generally overrun with the stream of Malignancy, that there were few left untainted; and consequently some Delinquents were admitted, to prevent strangers, (and that crime which is anon objected) unless such as Musgrave should have been preferned who by his perverseness in this private condition, discovers how unruly he would be were he backed with authority and credit; and is indeed fit to set his Clients together by the ears, then manage the peace of a Commonwealth.  
For the giblets and garbage of his train the Articles exhibited against the Commissioners in Cumberland. because they include nothing but what is repeated here, and doth serve him for all Persons whom he is pleased to bring upon the stage, they will be sufficiently refuted in the Vindication of some Persons more directly concerned in these Articles. For in defeating this main body of his Army, those paddees will easily be routed; when downright blows be well awarded, collateral ones can break no pates: and if this triple Goliath of seventeen cubits can be conquered, the rest oath Philistines, without further dispute, will quit the field.  
2. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge being the chief, and leading Commissioners for the Ministry at Newcastle, approved of such Ministers in Cumberland at Newcastle as refused the Engagement, were so andalous and Delinquents; and such Ministers as were well-affected, without any charge, removed from their Ministry, and put them out of their places, whereby be descovers his disaffection to the present Government, by upholding and countenancing the Malignant party in Authority and keeping under the Parliaments friends, all which this Petitioner is able to prove and further, refers himself to the Copies of Letters hereunto annexed, the Originals being in the Petioners' hands.  
To this we answer, that Sir Arthur is often compelled to be absent from that Committee, being diverted by many great employments, and especially by his attendance upon the reliese of the Army in Scotland and taking order for all manner of Provision raising new I evies and sending supplies of Horse and Foot; whose diligence and expedition in every particular (sometimes out labouring common Porters, and other while contriving beyond the most retired contemplations) is a sufficient discovery how dis-affected he is to the present government, which he so studies to preserve and advance.  
If that Committee in Sir Arthur's absence have transgressed, must their miscarriages be laid upon Sir Arthur? He might as well charge the Council of State with Sir Arthur's pretended Crimes, and make them guilty of these Articles. But 'tis a question whether any injustice was done or not, for he only says he can prove them, but does not. To which we answer, we can disprove them, but will not. The Copies of Letters which he refers us to, whose Originals are in his own hands, are perhaps (both Copies and Originals) forgeries of his own, or by his infligation; or else the peevish motions of some refractory Spirits, who (like the ●scalites) murmur in all conditions, and would loathe their food-should they be crammed with Manna; Unthankful men! who are never full, or quickly surfeit, and are guilty of satiety or unsatiableness.  
3. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge undertook to the Council of State to examine the Articles exhibited by the Petitioner to the Council of State, against M. Charles Howard, high Sheriff of Cumberland, but veglected the same, and came privately into the Country to Naward. and there feasted with the said Sheriff, who is a dangerous, and most notorious Delinquent, as appears by the charge exhibited against him by the Petitioner to the Council of State.  
The Accuser here exclaims against Sir Arthur for neglecting to be his Solicitor, in examining some Articles as hibited aghast the High Sheriff of Cumberland; whose examination he confesses the Council of State (to be quit of him) had referred to Sir Arthur, and consequently, judged them unworthy their considerations. And Sir Arthur too upon examination, found them scandalous, Musgraves, and such as these. This is all, save only that Sir Arthur came and supped at Naward; as if it were petty Treason for a Gentleman to visit the high Sheriff of a County, chosen, and still approved by the Council of State; yet he prosecutes the fact with as much vehemency, as if they had sat down to Atreus' Feast, and risen from the Table Anthropophagists.  
4. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge suffers Captain howard's Troop to lie upon free Quarter upon the Country, for these four Month's last passed, and doth countenance one Dobson Captain howard's Lieutenant, who obeated the Troop of 1350 pound. And when complaint was made to Sir Arthur Haslerigge, he never punished how for the same.  
The Free Quarter is mistaken for quartering upon trust. For Captain howard's Soldiers were some Months without their Pay, which was assigned them in Yorkeshore, and somewhat long ere it came to them, but now it is distributed, and their Quarters (if any did go o'th' score) are since discharged.  
'tis possible Dobson did endeavour to cozen the Soldiers of some of their pay, and Sir Arthur was certified as much, who thereupon sent for Dobson and confined him, till he had given 500 pound bond, with other Bail, to answer it before a Council of War, which he did, and upon the examination it appeared that not above thirty pound of the Soldier's money remained in his hands; asumme far short of 1350 pound. But I am afraid greater matters than these would be discovered, should we peruse the story of Lilburne, and examine the Records of Tinmouth Castle.  
5. That the said Sir Arthur Hasletigge gave Commission to Edward Brigs, to be Lieutenant Colonel for Carlisle Garrison, and made him a Commissioner for the Militia and Ministry in Westmoreland, a man known dis-affected to the present Government, and lately cashiered for his drunkenness and other miscarriages by the now Lord General Cromwell. That the said Sir Arthur gave Commissions to Thomas Craystour, Cuthbert Studholme, Captain Brown, and others, to be Captains and Lieutenants in Carlisle Garrison, men known to be disaffected to the present Government, profess Enemies to honest men, most of them having now laid down their Commissions, when they were to march into Scotland. And the said Sir Arthur doth countenance none in Cumberland, but such as are professed Enemies to the honest party. and are for the Scottish Interest.  
John Musgrave (it seems) upon some occasion is not well-affected to Lieutenant Coll Brigs, and therefore would have us think, that Lieutenant Coll. Brigs is dis-affected to the State; when the antecendent, in any rational man's opinion, doth infer the contrary. Cashiered he might be upon some misinformation and both the General, and he abused. But however. suppose the Accuser can speak truth, Sir Arthur cannot warrant every one's fidelity, knows not the hearts of men, and what 'tis possible they may be afterwards, as this Accuser pretends to do, who peremptorily be stows his character upon all he meers, Those Gentlemen who laid down their Commissions when they were to March into Scotland; did it, not out of any disaffection to the present Government, but upon some natural Imperfection, and infirmity of Body, unable to endure those many extremities in Scotland, which the strongest Complexions and best tempered men had much ado to overcome; and 'twas an act of singular affection to the Commonwealth in the late Lord General, to lay down his Commission, upon such considerations, whose heart (as theirs too, no doubt) went into Scotland, though their bodies did not, which would have been but cumbersome, not advantageous to the service.  
6. That by the said  Arthur Haslerigg's intrusting the Authorities, and Militia in the hands of Delinquents, and men for the Scottish Interest, the well-affected in Cumberland and Bishopriek lie under greater oppressions, then formerly under King and Prelates. And the said Sir Arthur is a protector of Papists and Delinquents, forbidding the Subsequestrators, and solicitors for Sequestration in Bishopric to Sequester Papists, Ordered to be Sequestered of which the Papists and Delinquents do much boast, and honest men thereby are much cast down.  
Here the Accuser rails at eleven-score, and inveighs that by Delinquents (pretended) authorities, the well-affected in Cumberland, (that is he and his whining crew) and Bishopric (George and Richard lilburn's) suffer more then under King and Prelates (which is) he is not suffered to rail himself into an estate, nor they permitted to oppress others our of their estates. But that Sir Arthur should be a protector of Papists and Delinquents, is a scandal Papists themselves would swear to be a lie, and the most notorious Delinquent will absolve him from.  
Sure the fellow intends to erect a new kind of Academy, and maintain Paradoxes. Were he of any Religion. I should take him to be a Papist, and that he pretends to Infallibility: For else, with what confidence could he hope the most incredulous Solifidians, would assent to these impudent untruths? He might as well have said my Lord Precedent was dis-affected to the present Government, and the General complied with the Scotch Interest? that John Musgrave is an honest man, hath no gall, is a Dove, meek, patiented, Prays for his Enemies, and is in Charity with all men.  
Sir Arthur indeed at first commenced his authority with a severe hand such as was wisdom to treat Delinquents with; but after sweetened his justice with some mercy, the method of all such, who seek not game in humane blood; for which perhaps, the ingenuity of some, render him the homage of good language, an argument of their gratitude, and conversion too  
7. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge hinders and obstrusts the ordinary proceeding of Law and Justice in favour of Papists and did take 〈◊〉 of the Sheriffess custody Ralph Lampton, a notorious Papist, and Delinquent, being under arrest, and formerly arraigned for poisoning his Wife; with which Lampton, the said Sir Arthur is very kind and familiar.  
The Accuser now is advaneed into Bishopric and both the Scene and Actors changed: For this Article concerns Mr. George Lilburn, as will appear by Mr. Lampton, who now (it seems) must enter.  
Mr. Ralph Lampton being under Sequestration, much oppressed by Mr. George Lilburne, and not only he, but the State likely to be cheated of 3000 l. estate of the said Mr Lamptons' did in behalf of himself and twelve children, miserably distressed for want, humbly Petition Sir Arthur Haslerigge, and the rest of the Committee of Sequestration, against Mr. George Lilburne and one Grace his Mate; whereby he manifested that the said Lampton, being a joint sharer with George Grey, and George Lilburne in a Colliety, called Lampton Colliery and having disbursed great sums of money for the winning thereof; Grey and Lilburne taking advantage of his Recusancy, and Delinquency, endeavoured to defraud him of his Interest therein; and when Mr. Lampton (upon order) came to prosecute, and attest his Petit on, Lilburne and Grey barbarously procured him to be Arrested. Sir Arthur having notice of this injustice, caused the Sheriff to set him at liberty. This is all the grand partiality the Accuser here pursues with open mouth, and Mr. Lampton desires of Sir Arthur no other favour then what the justness of his cause shall deserve, and a fist part for his Children of that which he shall make appear Grey and Lilburne have in their hands, and that the State may redeem the rest. For his being Indicted for poisoning his Wife (if any such thing were) he has undergone the Law for it, as George Lilburne did when he was Arraigned for stealing a Grey Mare. Loripodem rectus derideav.  
8. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge procured Ralph Delivall Esquire a Delinquent in arms against the Parliament, and dis-affected to the present Government, this last year to be high Sheriff for Northumberland.  
This is a most lamentable, infirm, cobweb Item, and only charges Sir Arthur with Mr. Dalavells Sheriffalry, when 'tis the Judges, that after the Circuit, present the names of three Gentlemen, and the Parliament pricks him whom they think most worthy of that dignity: If Sir Arthur interposed his commendations, or was concerned in the business, the deportment of that worthy Gentleman has justified his good opinion; for he hath most faithfully and gallantly (like himself) discharged that place of trust and honour. But sure there's something in the Wind, that makes John Musgrave thus disgust high-Sheriffs. I am afraid he has had ill luck in horseflesh too, has been too busy with some Grey Mare, and ever since quarrelled with the Assires.  
9 That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge, contrary to an Act of Parliament, suffered Lieutenant Colonel John Jackson, a notorious Delinquent, and in arms against the Parliament, both in the first and second War, a great plunderer, to go and ride up and down the Country with his arms, and against Law put the said Jackson in Possession of certain grounds and Collieries in Bishopric belonging to men well-affected, whom the said Sir Arthur by strong hand dispossessed thereof without Law, and the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge against the fundamental Law of the Land, most arbitrarily and tyrannically did by his power take from the now high Sheriff of Bishopric the said jackson's goods taken in Execution, after judgement, and restored the said goods to the said Jackson. contrary to all the rules of the Law.  
Not one syllable of this is true as it is charged. M. jackson did indeed sometimes wear a Sword (yet without Sir Arthur's permission or privacy) and he had good reason for it; For having occasion to go to Washington a Town not fare from his own abode; and Mr. john Hedworth. son in law to George Grey and Richard Grey son also to the said George, having notice of it, they with others in their company, dogged him into the house of one james Pearson, and there inhumanely assaulted him, Heaworth holding him, while Grey made a thrust at him, which thrust (had not one Mr. Moorecraft but it by) had Slain the Gentleman; This Mr. jackson complained of and proved by the Oath of three several witnesses before Colonel Wren and Mr. Thomas Dalavall.  
As for Sir Arthur's giving him possession of Lands etc. 'tis true, that after Mr. jackson had made his Composition with Sir Arthur and the rest of the Commissioners, and had secured the payment of his money, they thought it fit to order, that such houses, lands, and Collieries as he had compounded for, and was seized on before his Delinquency, should be restored unto him; which were accordingly, save the 'Gins belonging to his Colliery, whereof Grey and Lilburne had cheated both him and the State.  
The last part of this Chimaera, is a most egregious mistake, or a most rare piece of Legerdemain. There were, for a debt of Master jackson's, certain Goods grazing in his Grounds, but belonged to an Officer in the Army; these indeed were mistaken in Execution, and the Sheriff being satisfied of the truth, delivered the Cattles bacl again to one Mr. Browin, who was entrusted with the care of them in the owner's absence. Here were no goods of Mr. Jackson's either seized or, or reprieved; and Sir Arthur was so mere a stranger to the business, that perhaps this Article brought him the first news of it; but if john Musgrave will have it so, he must do things he never heard of and be guilty of Delinquents arms, because others fail to murder them; when the most pernicious Weapon is the Accusers Pen whose tongue is a sharp Sword, and whose mouth a Magazine of Poniards.  
10. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge is very familiar, and keepeth company with Thomas Wray, a Papist, in arms against the Parliament, and upon search for a Popish Priest, there was lately found in the said Wrayes house, Copes, and other Popish Relics, and much Gold and Money, most whereof Sir Arthur Haslerigge caused to be returned backs to M. Wrayes Wife, a Papist. And the said Sir Arthur by his Soldiers put sundry honest men out of Possession of the Collieries settled upon them by Law under colour the same belonged to the said Wray, whose Debts Sir Arthur Hasletigge undertook to pay, (as Wray confessed) for the said Collieries, being worth ten pounds per diem, as the said Sir Arthur giveth forth, to the utter undoing of the owners of the said collieries.  
To this loud nothing, we oppose this clear discovery of abused truth. Mr. Wray hath at present, and for many years hath had a just and legal interest in a Colliery at Harratton. For in the year 1644 it was Sequestered by Sir William Ermine and the Commissioners, then in the County of Durham, for the Papacy and Delinquency of the said Mr Wrey; and again in 1646 by Mr Lilbourne and Mr. Grey make themselves the State's Tenants for the said Colliery; and having found the sweetness of it, laboured to purchase the same of M. Wroy: and they concluded to give him 5000 l. But afterward, pretending to have got some Interest from others in the said Colliery, and knowing their own power would justify them in any action, they declined the Agreement with Mr. Wray, and entered upon the Colliery, and disposed thereof to their own uses, and so defrauded both Mr. Wray of his Interest, and the State of the Sequestration. There was no hopes of redreffe for Mr. Wray (for the was under hatches, and the Lilburnes then were ) till Sir Arthur Haslerigge came into these Parts, who being certified of Lilburnes unjust act by Mr. Rays Peititioning to him and the Commissioners, Sequestered the foresaid Colliery for the States use. After this, Orey draws in young Hedworth to set a foot his Title in the Colliery (whose inheritance indeed it is, buth was bought of his Father by Mr. Wray for a term of years which are not yet expired) and they taking advantage of Mr. Rays confinement (who suffered a judgement by defaulc) reentered upon the Colliery. Of which plot and knavery, Sir Arthur likewise having notice, he rescued it from their cawes again, and re-sequenstred it. Thus Sir Arthur is charged with putting honest men out of their Possessions, because he prohibited George Lilburne and George Grey to defraud both M. Wray of his Right of Title, and the State of their Right of Sequestration and did an act of Private and of Public justice.  
In answer to the former part of this Article, we must relate another excellent device of M. Lilburne, who to get M. Wreyes' evidences of Harratton Colliery from him, pretended M. Wray had a Popish Priest in his house, and under that colour ramacks the house, took away all deeds and evidences could be met with, Copes and other Church stuff, some old Gold of Miss Wrayes, her Watch and several Rings, to the value of 200 l. the Watch, and a Wedding Ring, which were ravished from them by public order too; but the Deeds and Writings (though of great concernment) no orders whatsoever could recover. What strange mistakes were here, to seize on old Gold for Relics and take Evidences for a concealed Priest: That Sir Arthur should undertake to pay M. Wrayes debts, is as ridiculous as to think M. Lilburne will discharge them with the Gold be plundered from him.  
11. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge doth comply with and countenance Colonel John Hilton, a Delinquent, in arms, both in the first and second War, and assists the said Hilton to defraud the poor in sundry Parishes in Bishopric, or great legacies given by the said Hiltons' Elder Brother.  
In this is involved another grand cheat of M. George Lilburnes against the State of 300 1. per annum, viz. The manor of Ford in Bishopric; which manor, M. Lilburne himself caused to be Sequestered for the Delinquency of Colonel Hilton, and converted the Profits to his own use; and all this while. not a word of any Testament or Legacy. But after, when he saw himself questioned for this, and other tricks, and feared he should disgorge some of the thousands he had swallowed, he contrived himself a dextrous escape, by rousing a Dormant Will of Baronett Hilton, made upon some discontents between him and his Brother, under pretence of charity to several Parishes, where by he was to merit pardon for 30 years vicious life led with the Lady Shelly. Pious M. Lilburne prosecuted the s; vite in Chancery at his own charge, and had a Decree thereupon, which the Council of State may happily retrieve, and examine better the depredation of so considerable a Composition. Thus we see how charitable master Lilburne is with other men's Estates, how finely he robs the State, to enrich the poor, and had rather build Hospitals, them pay his debts!  
12. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge brought Colonel Hacker into the Country, who contrary to an Act of Parliament Quarters his Soldiers, and others, under the name of Soldiers, who are none, upon the well-affected in Bishopric, and would but pay what they pleased, and in some places nothing; but upon complains Colonel Hacker gave the people no relief, but threatened them to have them before Sir Arthur Haslerigge for complaining; afterwards Captain Thomas Lilburne brought the matter in question before a Council of War an whitehall, but by Sir Arthur's power, it could nover be fully heard, which if it had, there would have appeared many thousand pounds kept wrongfully from the Soldiers, besides the great oppression of freequarter, some Examinations whereof were taken by master Marget's, which Sir Arthur Haslerigge keeps hitherto from Reading, and the said Sir Arthur sore threatened the said Captain, for appearing for the Soldiery and Country against him, and Colonel Hacker.  
Sir Arthur was the cause, 'tis probable, of Colonel Hackers advance into these parts, considering how behooveful and necessary the attendance of that gallant Colonel would be for the security of these Northern Counties, where the malignant Party had been so active, and were still so numerous. But strait master George Lilbourne thinks himself opposed in the business, falls presently to disgust the Colonel, and conjures his son Thomas the Captain to assist him with some design againsthim. Dear Tom. lays the scene with some of Colonel Hackers Soldiers betrays them to some misdemeanours, and persuades them not to pay in manv places. These incivilities make up a charge against Colonel Hacker; and one master Marget's came bustling into the Country, by order from the Lord General (as he pretended but falsely) to examine it. All things being prepared, and the day come Geo: kich: and Tho: Lilburnes face the busiesse; Colonel Hacker attended also to receive his charge; but Marget's told him he must stay for it, and both he and his Soldiers immediately leave the Town. Hereupon the Gollonell complains to the General; who sends an order to examine Marget's, which was done accordingly, and this truth discovered and certified. This is all concerns that worthy Colonel, whom none but Lilburne and Mosse-troopers disaffect.  
13. That the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge to dissable master George Lilburne to serve his country, and the more to discourage the well-affected in Bishoptick, caused him to be put out of the Commission of Peace, ministry, and militia, and much endeavoureth to Sequester the said master George Lilburne, who hath commonly been reputed the most active, stirring, and suffering man for the good of this nations, both before the parliament began, and since, of any that hath been, or is in the Country.  
This is the Grand signeour Article, to which the former were but Ushers, and all the rest a guard and convoy: This is the master wasp, yet quite without a sting. 'twas the discharging of master George Lilburne from his shriving employments, that derived a g●●●● upon all Sir Arthur's other actions. But since that active, stirring, suffering Gentleman affects Encomiums, loves to be popular, and show himself; let him surrender up those borrowed Plumes, and wear this Character, and second Livery.  
For his first rise was little better than from the Cloak and Trencher; and of late years an ordinary Fitter was his greatest Title. But since he screwed himslfe into the Committee for Sequestrations, by letting Sequestrations to himself in others names for small values, and buying Plundered Goods at under Rates, he has purchased many thousands, and now endures the burden of being very Rich, and suffers the misery of a Vast Estate.  
Quid esse nostro fortius potest Pato?  
Ducentiens accepit, & tamen vivit.  
In the Earl of Newcastles time, he signed and sent out Warrants for raising men and horse for the service of the late King, and when that Earl was in the North, he sent out men and arms to his assistance; and this is called his good affection.  
He was so Imperious in his Sequestratorship, and so shamefully overawed the rest of the Commissioners, that most of them were abused out of their stations, and M. George Lilburne was left a petty monarch, attended only with his brother Richard (such another haughty spirit as himself) and one Tom Turk, alias Coll: Midford, a creature of their own stamp, who durst not dispease them, lest they should question him for a murder he committed upon one Mr. Grosier in Newcastle upon Time. The well-affected are so far from being discouraged at dispacing of him that they all deprecate his Tyranny next the Pestilence, incert it in their Liturgy, and prefix it to their— Libera nos Domine.  
14. That Sir Arthur Haslerigge hath dispaced all the well-affected men in Bishopric that were of the Committee for Sequestations there, and put in their stead one Thomas Haslerigge his Kinsman, and a stranger, and doth continue one Colonel Francis Wren, who in the head of his Regiment upon his first march into Scotland was disgracefully, and justly cashiered, by the now Lord General Cromwell for Plundering, and other gross and foul misde-meanours; and one Thomas Dalavall, an arch Malignant, and dis-affected to the present Government, who lived in the Enemy's Quarters all the time the Earl of Newcastle had his Forces there.  
What the displaced were, the Accuser may see if he but face about; and who these present Commissioners are he shall quickly be informed; so that were he a Janus, he might employ all his Optics, and backward or forward behold his own untruths and scandals.  
Mr. Thomas Haslerigge is a Gentleman of such Universal abilities, and so richly furnished with Foreign and Domestic experience. that every Country is his own, and he is a Stranger no where. Colonel Wren and master Thomas Dalavall are Gentlemen no less 〈◊〉 serving, and make up an accomplished Triumvirate of fidelity and merit: they have improved the State's service to the utmost, given satisfaction to all reasonable men, and are every way worthy of their great Employments.  
Colonel Wren hath ever been an active, faithful Gentleman, and though it was his misfortune to suffer some obscurity by the disorders of his Soldiers (suborned and hired thereunto perhaps by some men's malice to prejudice the Colonel) yet never any thing was charged upon himself, and the merit of his own deportment did soon expunge that casual blemish which translated him only from his military attendance, to do the works of Peace; nor was he dismissed, but lent us by the General; we borrowed him oth'Army, and he was conferred upon the County to examine the actions, and censure the Injustice of the Lilburnes, who not for any miscarriages, but that good service do here traduce this worthy Colonel.  
'Tis only objected to master Thomas Dalavall that he lived in the Enemy's Quarters; and well, 'tis not charged against him, that he lived. We may say the Accuser lived i'th' Enemy's Quarters when he was in Prison there (as he pretends) and master Dalavals residence there was to him perhaps but little better. However, 'tis to be presumed he was guarded with no small flock of Innocence, which could there secure him even amongst his Enemies, who were more reasonable (it seems) and less injurious, than this Accuser, who is obliged to be his friend.  
15. That the said George Lilburne being Surverer of the Bishop's Lands in Bish oprick with one Edward C Iston, which said Colston joined with one Saunders, and counterfeited master Duncalfes hand without his privity for the abatement of a thousand and odd pounds merely to cousin the State thereof which cheat and cozenage, the said George, Lilburne discovered. But the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge much laboured and Solicited the said George Lilburne to conceal the said cheat and forgery of the said Colston, and though the said Colston be a man dis-affected to the present Government and married to a Papist, yet doth the said Sir Arthut Haslerigge much countenance the said Colston and made him a Commissioner for the Ministry, and his court keeper.  
Had the Accuser been as busy to discover truth as to pervert it, he might have been convinced of this loud scandal two years ago. For master Colston himself gave this false charge, a clear confutation, and in Print Published his own Vindication which gave full satisfaction to the trusties. Contractors, and all Persons whom it did concern, and to which the Accuser may repair if he desires, or can abide the light; where he shall find that all the cheat is in himself or Lilburne, who would cozen the World of truth, a Gem more precious than any thousands.  
What service the Council of State or Sir Arthur Haslerigge shall impose upon master Colston, no question but that able Gentleman will industriously discharge, and gratify their Trust by his Fidelity. In the mean time, he esteems it next to Public Employments (of which at present 'tis Vacation with him) to be of use to that eminent member of the Commonwealth, whose nobleness and worth he is many ways obliged to serve and honour; and would profess as much should Musgrave every day indite new Articles.  
16. That your Petitioner hath been much Petitioned by the well-affected in his Country, to present their grievances, and oppressions, and crave relief in their behalf, as appears by their Letters, Copies whereof are hereunto annexed.  
This contains nothing of Importance, and only is an Allegory which must be thus Expounded. A Pack of mutinous Incendiaries that pretend oppressions to their seditious Frenzies, have made john Musgrave their Bell-wether, or jack Straw, as may be collected from their Letters etc.  
17. That your Petitioner hath lately discovered sundry concealed and unsequestred Delinquents of great Estates, which will bring in to the State ten thousand pounds and more, if the Commissioners for Sequestration made by Sir Arthur Haslerigge were honest, and faithful men; but in regard most of the said Commissioners are Delinquents, and Sequestrable themselves, and all of them dis-affected to the present Government, they do what in them lies to hinder your Petitioner in the prosecution thereof.  
The Accuser has now gone over all his Posts, and left himself no marks to shoot at; yet he has more Darts behind still, which must be discharged, and therefore are let fly at random, exclaiming in general against Deliquent Commissioners; which had an Answer in the return to the first Article: for he but conn's his Lesson here, and gins before he be quite out: Orly 'tis observable here (as all along) that dis-affected to the present Government, and complying with the Scotch Interest is the burden of his Song, and a card that is always turned up tramp, when he would something, but can say nothing else.  
Indeed here is something of new matter, and that is his activeness in the discovery of unsequestred Delinquents, as if he were more industrious for the advantage of the Commonwealth than Sir Arthur Haslerigge? But the truth of all he tells plainly in his Remonstrance, where he Petitions that his discovery of concealed Delinquents may be taken into consideration, and then no doubt but he will bestir himself to seek whom he may devour, then shall every Rich man be a Delinquent, and guilty of his Estate, when covetousness and malice shall have a Salary, and Sin have any Wages but Death.  
For should ill Precedents pass without reproof, should it be permitted once to Scandal with Impunity, and Inform cum Privilegio; every one would turn Accuser, and there would be no such thing as Innocence i'th' world: Each City would be worse than Sea●● not furnished with one righteous Lot, against whom the malice of some would not Exhibit their Exceptions: The Thief would Arraign his Judge, and the Offender Impeach his Jury: There would be left no Council of State Inviolable to Sentence or Absolve, no Lord Precedent to appeal unto.    

Saturday the 25. of January, 1650. At the Council of State at Whitehall, Ordered,  
UPon Information given to this Council by Sir Arthur Haslerigge, that one Mr. John Musgrave had caused a Book to be Printed and Published, and that in the Epistle and Charge, the said John Musgrave did Accuse him the said Sir Arthur Haslerigge of breach of Promise and Engagement to the Council, and for acting contrary to the same, and contrary to the Council of State's Declaration. The said Mr. John Musgrave being called before the Council, did acknowledge the whole Book, excepting only some Erratas of the Printer, which he offered to amend with his Pen, and said he would justify it, and offered to put in security to make it good. Thereupon the said Master Musgrave being fully heard as to the particulars of the Epistle and Charge in his Book against Sir Arthur Haslerigge for a supposed breach of Trust and Engagement by him to the Council, and also for Acting contrary to the Counsels Declarations, concerning the Examining the Charge of Mr. Howard late High Sheriff of Cumberland, for the not displacing and putting in certain Commissioners of the Militia for Cumberland, who were objected against by Mr. Musgrave. The Council Declares, that it doth not at all appear unto them, that Sir Arthur Haslerigge hath broken the Trust reposed in him by the Council, or made any fail of Promise or Engagement to them in any of those particulars. But do find that the Imputations therein laid as a Charge upon Sir Arthur Haslerigge, are False and Scandalous: And do therefore touching the said Scandals, leave Sir Arthur Haslerigge for his due Vindication and Reparation, to take such Course as he shall think fit.  
Ex. G. Frost, Seer.  
FINIS.