''**f1c:^rrKr>fy-i .A1A2 '■':. l^omc College Si^rus, ^ Number .^^..^^..^....^www...^ ^ ..................^ Bight u- Nine, THE REGICIDES; OR, THE STORY OF THREE OF THE JUDGES WHO CONDEMNED TO '^ THE PUNISHMENT OF DEATH KING CHARLES I., (^ OF ENGLAND, WHO WAS EXECUTED t JANUARY 30, 1649. | BY C. ADAMS, D.D. NEW YORIC^^_^^ ... PHILLIPS & HUNT. CINCINNATI: WALDEN & STO^A/■E. '3C ggg^g|pilMM;ilip!tp»»^ , y The "Home Collkge Series" will contain one hundred short papers on^ n wide range of subjects — biographical, historical, scientific, literary, domes* tic, political, and religious. Indeed, the religious tone will characterize all of them. They are written for every body — for all whose leisure is limited, but who desire to uf-e the mioutes for the enricliment of life. These papers contain seeds from the best gardens in nil the woild of human knowledge, and if dropped wisely into good soil, wi'l bring forth harvests of beauty and value. They are for the young — especiall}- for young people (and older people, too) who are out of the schools, w^ho are full of '•busioess" and "cares," who are in danger of reading nothing, or of reading a sensational literature ^hat is worse than nothing. One of these papers a week read over and over, thought and talked about at "odd times," will give in one year a vast fund of information, an intel- lectual quickening, worth even more than the mere knowledges acquired, a taste for solid read ng, many hours of simple and Avhole.sorae pleasure, and ability to talk intelligently and helpfully to one's friends. Pastors may organize ''Home College" classes, or "Lyceum Reading Unions," or "Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circles," and iielp the young people to read and think and talk and live to worthier purpose. A young man may have Ins own little "college" all by himself, read this sfries of tracts one after the other, (there-will soon be one huodied of them readv,) examine himself on them by the " Thought-Outline to Help the Memv ory." and thus gain knowledge, and, what ia better, a love of knowledge. And what a young man may do in this respect, a young woman, and both old men and old women, may do. J. H. ViXCEXT. New York, Jan., 1883. Copyright, 1863, by Puillifs & Hunt, Now York. Paim College Series, ^umbi^r Cigljiu-nme. The Story of the Regicides. In 1648 Charles I., King of England, was brought to trial before the '' High Court of Justice," created for the purpose by the "purged" Parliament then existing, and was con- victed, condemned, and executed. Of the justice or injustice of this very important transaction it is not our intention, in this present brief narrative, to write. It was a time of civil war between the king and Parliament, in which the latter was victorious; while the former, now a captive, was doomed to suffer death. Subsequently, for about four years, the English Government was a sort of Republic, when the Pro- tectorate of Cromwell succeeded, to be followed in 1660 by the " Restoration." - As was of course to be expected, an immediate result of the new order of things was " inquisition for blood " of the late king, whose violent death, consequent upon the judg- ment of the tribunal before which he was tried, was deemed by every English royalist to be nothing less than murder, and murder, too, of the most heinous character. With these there was no allowance made for the ill-deservings of the late king, no thought about his treachery, his threats in the event of his triumph over his enemies, his violated pledges and other misdoings, or the condition of war under which the trial and execution had taken place. The tables were now turned; the Royalists were in power; resistance to the deceased king was rebellion and treason; the court that had assumed to try him, as well as those who had created such court, were mobs ; the trial itself was a mockery and a farce; the issue thereof was murder ; and every man who sat in judgment upon the innocent monarch, and signed the war- rant for his death, was a murderer — a murderer of the first THE STOUT OF THE REGTCIDES. and highest degree, and as such was an outlaw, and must be brought to judgment. The Parliament of 1660 was clamorous for the blood of the Regicides. From their " Bill of Oblivion and Indem- nity " seven only were at first excepted and doomed to judg- ment. But the Commons went on adding name to name to the original seven. The lords put on greater strength still; and they voted that all* who signed the death-warrant of Charles I., and five others besides, should be excepted from pardon. Meanwhile, the new king was scarcely seated upon the throne before issuing, at the instigation of Parliament, his proclamation commanding all those who had sat as judges of his father to surrender themselves within fourteen days, " on pain of being excepted from any pardon or indemnity as to their lives or estates." A part of the judges, whom this proclamation had inspired with the hope of pardon in case of compliance, surrendered themselves; others, taking alarm from the same proclamation, fled immediately and wisely to foreign parts. Twenty-five out of the fifty-eight or nine who composed the " High Court of Justice," and voted for the king's condemnation, were in their graves, of whom were Cromwell the Protector, and Bradshaw the president of the court. Twenty-nine were brought to trial, as traitors for the murder of the king, before a special court of commis- sioners, and all convicted. Of the twenty-nine, nineteen were sentenced to imprisonment for life, and the remaining ten were executed. Of these ten, six were of the judges, one was the chief prosecuting counsel, two were oflScers of the guard over the royal person, while the remaining one was Hugh Peters, a zealous Puritan minister. Of the sixteen members of the regicide court who escaped to foreign parts, three fled to this country, where they passed the remainder of their lives. The names of these men were Edward Whalley, William Goffe, and John Dixwell, all of whom seem to have been men of talents and respectability. THE STORY OF THE REGTCTDES. Whallcy was of an ancient family, who could trace liis lineage back to the times of Edward VL, and was first cousin to Cromwell the Protector. He bore a conspicuous part in the revolutionary events of 1640-60, distinguished himself as a soldier of high rank in the Parliament service, and re- ceived the thanks of that body for his brilliant conduct at the battle of Banbury. He also won laurels at the great fight of Naseby, as also at the terrible battle of Dunbar, where two horses were shot under him. Under the Protect- orate he was one of Cromwell's major-generals, and was in- cluded in the new House of Lords created by the Protector. In fact, all accounts agree that General Wh alley was a man of true greatness of mind, possessing abilities equal to any enterpiise and to the highest councils of State, civil, political,, or military. He was, meanwhile, a man of religion, and is represented as a devoted servant and worshiper of the most high God, and whose piety was fervent and sincere. Goffe was the son of a minister — the rector of Stanmore — ■ and became the son-in-law of Whalley. He early entered the parliamentary army, rose rapidly in military rank, and was, throughout, devotedly attached to the cause of the Par- liament and the Protectorate. He, like his father-in-law, Whalley, w^as created a lord by the Protector, and also like him is reported as deeply religious. Both were Puritan-^, both were eminently conscientious, and, in the part they acted in the revolutionary drama, they sought, whether mis- takenly or otherwise, the best welfare of their country. Dixwell seems to have been a man of less note than the other two. He was a gentleman in good circumstances, was a member of the Long Parliament, a colonel in the army both under Parliament and also under the Protectorate, and, at the end of the latter, was a member of tlie Council of State. Perceiving at length that every thing was tending to the restoration of monarchy, he deemed it prudent to consult for his personal safety. 4 THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. Promptly the Restoration became an accomplished fact, and matters, as we have seen, were becoming serious for the Regicides, and the more wary of them timely withdrew. Whalley and Goffe were presently missing; nor did they disappear a day too soon. A proclamation was immediately issued setting forth that they had left the kingdom, and a reward of five hundred dollars was offered for the discovery of either of them in any part of the British dominions, and returning them dead or alive. Previously, however, to the appearance of this proclamation they had left England for- ever. We have been able to discover no details of that sad de- parture. Whalley was at the time an old man of between sixty and seventy years. There was probably a wife whom he would see no more. There was also a little boy, a few years old, the child of his old age, besides several children that were grown and mature, and who loved and venerated their father; for he w^as a highly resj^ectable as well as a deeply pious man. Goffe, too, could not have left his home without a pang. A lovely and excellent wife clung to him in that last embrace, and little children sorrowed at the going away — they knew not where — of their fond father. Early in May, 1660, these two fugitive men bade adieu to their homes and friends, and in the following July they ar- rived at Boston. " They brought with them," writes Gov- ernor Hutchinson, " their Christian profession and character, with testimonials of their Church relations; and, on their arrival, made no attempts to conceal their persons or history." Immediately presenting themselves to Mr. Endicott, Governor of the Colony, they were received by him with courtesy and cordiality, and were visited by the principal persons of the town, still making no attempt at disguise or concealment. Their principal sojourn while in the vicinity of Boston was at Cambridge, where they seem to have conducted themselves much as other people, and as if nothing extraordinary belonged THE STOUT OF THE BEGICIDES. to their history. They were punctual at public worship, as well as at occasional lectures and private devotional meet- ings, and the holy sacrament of the Supper. Meanwhile, it seemed to be universally known who and what these strangers were. Their grave, serious, and devout bearing and accomplished manner, together with the higli rank they were known to have sustained at home, commanded for them great respect. True, it was equally known that they were of the number who, a dozen years before, sat in judgment upon King Charles I. and decreed his death. Yet it seems probable that with the multitude there was but slight disposition to censure them on this ground. There were, indeed, decided Royalists around them ; and some of these may have probably borne toward the strangers no great amount of good-will. At the same time, however, there were obviously many others whose sympathies were wit£ them, and others still who were at least kindly in their bearing; and every indication confirms the suspicion that, in the strange land whither these fugitive and grave men had come, there was for them more of friendship than hostility, or even of indifference. Under these pleasant circumstances it may be that they had begun to cherish the hope that the "bitterness of death" was past. If so, only a little time served to open the eyes of all parties touching the cmirjius of the Government. On the eve of the winter succeeding their arrival at Boston arrived also the Act of Indemnity; and as they tremblingly scanned the list of those excepted from pardon they saw their own names among the fatal number. At once they realized that they were not of the pardoned and free; that there was no longer any country for them; that they were outlaws; that they were doomed men; and that a dreadful death awaited them if once apprehended and borne back over sea to judg- ment. Alarm at once seized, not only the men themselves, but THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. many who were interested for their welfare, and they were advised to a change of residence. The horizon grows dark, the sun is hidden and storms seem impending, and there is no longer safety. At length much tumult is excited by for- eign influences, and a heavy pressure comes upon the gov- ernor, (Endicott,) with a view to their apprehension and forcible return to England. Friends were around them, and they knew it; but there was a great and terrible power in whose dominions they were sojourning, and that power was against them, had no protection for them, no favor toward them, was eager to clutch and destroy them. Alas, for the fugitive outla.v ! Who may adequately picture the situa- tion ? Who, save the victim himself, may ever feel it ? The Jaw over him, but not to shield him as it shielded every one else. The law over him, but only to seize upon him with its merciless hand and crush him. The law over him, but to frighten every one away that would approach to comfort or Jielp him. The heaven brass above him, the earth iron be- neath him, out in the wide world, but yet a prisoner. Amid a heaven of riulits and privileges, but none of them for him. Fears by day and night — in the calm sunshine, in the passing breeze, in the quiet gathering, in the solitary walk, in the approaching stranger, in the casual glance, in the silent whis- per, in all times, places, surroundings, happenings. The Regicides fled before the gathering storm. It was on the 26th of February, 1661, that they suddenly disappeared from Cambridge. Just ten days before was issued by the governor and his assistants the warrant for their apprehen- sion. Few, if any, seem to have known of the precise time of their d|y3arture, or the way they took in their long wan- dering. On the day above named they were no longer at Cambridge, and were never seen there afterward. At once they were missed from the church, the social meeting, and the street ; and none afterward knew of their whereabouts, nor whither they had gone. THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. Meanwhile, the season seemed unpropitious for such a journey as theirs must be. It was still winter, and the snows were abroad, and the atmosphere was frosty and keen, and the March winds blew chilly, and traveling was heavy, and settlements were scanty along the new and rugged country, and dark and far-reaching forests overspread the hills and vales, and they know not what savage foes might be encount- ered on the way, or whether the friendly door of the settler's cabin would open to them at night. Through nine weary days in succession the travelers pursued their way, only rest- ing, as we may presume they did. on the included Sabbath. On the 7th day of March two men of singular and grave appearance came into the village of New Haven. It was a small town about half a mile square, and cornering upon a beautiful bay spreading away to the south, and into which flowed two principal streams coming down from the north, and passing the town a mile or more distant. These two men were the Regicides — Whalley and GofFe. As is inevi- table in all such villages, every man, woman, and child was apprised of the strangers' arriva', and all eyes were upon them as they made their appearance. And no wonder; for they were men venerable in aspect and bearing. One was the senior of the other by nearly a score of years; yet both were erect in form, heavily bearded, and having the seeming of singular and excellent dignity. They had just finished their long and tedious journey through the wilderness from Cambridge, and were come to find, if it were possible, a place of safety and rest in New Haven. Says HoUister in his "History of Connecticut :" "They were grave, sedate men, and bore themselves with a noble self-control and a manly cheerfulness that bespoke no secret upbraidings of con- science. It does not appear that they ever felt any such accusations, or entertained a doubt as to the part that they had taken in the transactions that preceded or followed the king's death." THE STORY OF THE REGICIDES. For some days at New Haven the Regicides seemed to reckon themselves again out of danger, while, as at Cam- bridge, they were treated with much respect, and were not backward in participating in the gatherings and socialities of the town. But this gleam of sunshine was too beautiful to last. True, the fugitives were far away from Boston, but soon news of the execution of ten of the Regicides, in the preceding autumn, reached that town, and a royal mandate had already been forwarded to Boston for the apprehension of Whalley and GofFe. This startled and alarmed the coun- try; and especially as it was immediately followed by two young men commissioned to search the colonies for the out- laws. It now darkens very visibly. Already the pursuers are on the track of the fugitives. They are soon at Cam- bridge, then at Hartford, then at Guilford, within a score of miles from New Haven. Those young men are in earnest — terribly in earnest. They long for more blood, more butch- ery, and to feast their eyes on fresh human shambles. They would go back to London with these two venerable men in their clutches, well manacled and fettered, and all fitted for the butcher. Ten victims hanged — disemboweled alive — then beheaded and quartered; such are not enough. The scene of murder and brutality must be renewed — renewed under the windows of King Charles's palace, where he can witness again the carnival of blood and anguish. But the young gentlemen encountered difficulties. They have evidence well-nigh conclusive that the fugitive men are at New Haven; but they must proceed legally. There must be a gubernatorial warrant, and the colonial governor (Leet) is not ready. He has scruples. An authoritative warrant — sometimes at least — is a grave matter, may involve grave and ugly consequences, and must, therefore, be thought of somewhat. Governor Leet thinks about it — thinks of those possible consequences — does not exactly like them — has seen these hunted men. They were here at Guilford one day. THE 8T0RT OF THE REGICIDES. The governor knows them — knows their history — rather likes them — has heard of the butchery of ten of their asso- ciates — does not favor that sort of civilization, and is reluc- tant that these fugitives should come in contact with it. Then, in respect to a warrant for their arrest, he must confer with his Council — and they are twenty miles off, at New Haven, and it is Saturday toward sundown, and to-morrow is the Sabbath, when there must be no work or journeying — there were tithing-men in those days. Thus all must wait for Monday; but, curiously enough, on that very Saturday evening an Indian went with quick and soft steps from Guilford to New Haven ; and all posterity believes that Governor Leet knew of his going thither. Also, on Monday morning, just after the Sabbath ended at mid- night, long before day, John Meigs rode off post-haste to New Haven, reaching there betimes, and leaving there a very important item or two of information; and seven generations of people that have live