The Online Library of Liberty

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• Preface
• The Clarke Papers
• Newsletters Written In 1653 1
• Extracts From Newsletters Written In 1654 1
• An Intercepted Letter 1
• Another Letter of the Same Date From Another Hand
• Extracts From Newsletters
• A Newsletter
• Extracts From Newsletters
• Newsletters 1655. 1
• Narrative of the Expedition to San Domingo 1
• Extracts From Newsletters, 1655
• Extracts From Newsletters, 1656
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Newsletters 1
• Major Ralph Knight to General Monck
• Newsletters
• A Letter From Dr. Worth
• F. 117b. His Highness the Lord Protector’s Speech In the Painted Chamber to the Parliament Assembled the 27th of November, 1656. 1
• Newsletters
• Lieut.-gen. Brayne to General Monck
• Extracts From Newsletters 2
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck 1
• Newsletters 1
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Newsletters 1
• The Protector’s Speech, March 31, 1657
• The Protector’s Speech, April 3, 1657
• Newsletters
• Speech of the Protector, April 8, 1657
• Newsletters
• An Officer In Flanders to General Monck 2
• Major-general Morgan to General Monck
• Newsletters
• A Letter From Flanders
• Letters From Flanders
• Vice-admiral Goodson to General Monck [?]
• A Letter From France
• A Letter From France
• Lieutenant Colonel Hughes to General Monck
• Newsletters
• A Letter From Mardyke
• Newsletters
• A Letter From Mardyke
• Newsletters
• Newsletters, 1658 1
• Major General Morgan to General Monck
• Newsletter
• Speech of the Protector, February 4, 1658
• Newsletters
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Lieut.-col. Hughes to General Monck
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Lieut.-col. Hughes to General Monck
• Newsletters
• Lieut.-col. Hughes to General Monck
• Newsletter
• Colonel Drummond to General Monck
• Lieut-col. Hughes to General Monck
• Lieut.-col. Hughes to General Monck
• Newsletter
• Major General Morgan to General Monck
• Extracts From Newsletters
• Newsletters
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Extracts From Newsletters
• Speech of the Protector, Richard Cromwell, November 19, 1658
• Mr. Downing to General Monck
• Newsletter
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Newsletters 1659 2
• Mr. Downing to General Monck
• Newsletter
• George Downing to Secretary Thurloe 1 G. D.
• Extracts From Newsletters
• Newsletters
• Letter to General Monck
• Newsletters
• Lieutenant-general Fleetwood to General Monck
• Secretary Thurloe to General Monck
• Newsletters
• Appendix
• Appendix A: Colonel Sexby’s Advice On Foreign Policy 1
• Appendix B: Edward Montagu’s Notes On the Debates In the Protector’s Council Concerning the Last Indian Expedition 1
• Appendix C: An Account of the Fall of the Protector, Richard Cromwell, In a Letter From Nehemiah Bourne.

Newsletters 1655.1

Westminster, January 2, 165⅘.—

f. 8.Itt was nott thought fitt to lett the Blades goe on any longer who were att worke to have brought new troubles uppon us, and therfore the last W[ednesday] night wee seized uppon some who had commission to raise forces, alsoe some armes were taken. The Parliament hath passed two-thirds of the Governement. The winde still continues easterly, soe that wee looke to heare noe more of the fleete till wee heare of their arrivall.

G. D.

Westminster, January 6.—

f. 14b.In reference to the late plott mencioned in my last, many hundreds of pistolls weere brought downe hence by carriers, and [sent] on Munday last as tokens to disafected persons in the country, callinge them in their letters so many douzen bottles of canary. And searcheinge the gunsmyths’ house from whence they came they found 4000 fixed armes; upon which the gunsmyth and severall others are now under examination. All the generall and field officers were summoned to meet the same day upon the triall of Collonel Allured; who desired them to present his petition to his Highnesse, wherein he acknowledged his Highnesse former favour to him, and desired his discharge, the matters beinge not cognizable by a Court Marshall. But the Court refused, and gave him time till Munday next to put in any further answer to his charge, and that day to proceed to judgment upon the whole matter. The House was againe this day and Tewsday upon the Bill of Government, and made a large progrese therein. Wednesday the House went over the businesse of tender consciences. Lords Commissioners of the Seale and Lord Admirall as they were formerly voted. The Genoa Embassidour came in grate state Thursday night to Sir Abraham Williams his house in Westminster. Alsoe Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, many persons of quality from Kent and other parts were examined upon the new plott, and most of them committed, haveinge received Commissions from Charles Stewart to raise forces.

This day the Genoa Embassidour had audience, and prayed for amity betweene both Nations. Yesterday and to-day the Parliament ordered that a million per annum be issued by his Highnesse and Councell for payment of all the forces by sea and land, and to continue so longe as the Parliament shall heereafter declare.

Your Excellencies most humble servant,

Gilbert Mabbot.

January 6, 1654.

January 20, 165⅘.—

f. 30b.Munday last a report was made by the Committee appointed to consider of a Revenue of the Customes and otherwise, that 100,000^li per annum should bee added to the 300,000^li per annum for maintenance of the navy and sea ports, which the Howse assent’d unto, and ordered it to bee part of the Bill for Governement, but the time for continuing the payment of the 700,000^li per annum for the land forces is the question now in dispute. Majour Generall Overton was Tuiesday last sent prisoner to the Tower. About 4 of clock on Wednesday morning the House came to this result, that his Highnesse and Councill shall by theire warrant issue out of the Exchequer 1,300,000^li per annum, 200,000^li thereof for mantenance of his Court &c., 400,000^li for the navall forces and Port townes, and 700,000^li for the land forces, which last summe is to bee continued [o]nely till the 25 of December 1659. Wednesday the Howse ordered that the Bill should bee ingrossed in order to be presented to the Lord Protectour, and if consent bee not given thereunto by the Lord Protectour and Parliament it shalbee null. Thursday the Howse sat upon the private businesse. Friday the Bill being ingrossed was reade; a provisoe was made for the setling of the Militia in his Highness and Councill in the intervall of Parliament, which held the howse all that day in debate, but came to noe result. His Highnesse haveing give orders for the transporting 3000 foote from Ireland nuse came that they were put in at Holy Head, but bound for Leverpoole; orders are likewise given for the marching of 6 troopes of horse into Scotland. This day a provisoe past for confirming all antient and legall grants and charters formerly granted to all the citties and corporacions in England. A provisoe likewise paste that noe Militia forces should bee raised, exersised, or armed but by consent of his Highnesse and the Parliament; severall provisoes more are left to bee debated though this bee the last day of the Parliament’s legall Session.

G. M.

January 23, 165⅘.—

f. 32.Yesterday in the forenoone the Lord Protector sent a short lettre to the Parliament, letting them know it was his pleasure they should forthwith meete him in the Painted Chamber, which accordingly they did.

His Highnes did there make a very exellent speech1 to them, declareing the greate hopes that he and all the people of the nation had in their meeteing for peace and setlement, but to his greate griefe and trouble they had spent their time soe as he could not know whether they were alive or dead. That divers sorts of people as Cavileers, Levellers, and others disc[ont]ented were like bryars and thornes growen up under their shadow, endevouring the seduceing and disaffecting of the people from Magistracy and Ministry, and the private souldiers from their officers. And that they had [done] nothing as to liberty for tender consciences.

That they had brought the army to a necessity of takeing free quarter. That many of them too much manifested their disatisfaccion to the Government, notwithstanding their signeing the recognition agreeable to the Indenture.

That there was secret plots and contrivances both at home and abroade, to hazard the nations into new and bloody warre, therefore he was necessitated to declare that from henceforth they should be dissolved. I doe not doubt but that he and his Councell will vigorously set uppon it to doe and bring forth such good thinges as shall give generall satisfaction to all, except implacable enemies and restlesse spirritts.

Axyard, January 23, 165⅘.—

f. 32b.Yesterday the Parliament mett, and were in debate about some other provisoes to bee added to the Government. About 11 clock the Speaker received a letter from my Lord Protectour, which he forthwith communicated to the Howse, which was to this effect, that he did desire to speake with the Parliament imediatly in the Painted Chamber, whither they forthwith went, and his Highness comeing in spake about a hower and a halfe to them. The substance of his speech was to let them know the greate hoapes hee conceived at theire first meeting, together with the happy posture those nations were then in of peace and setlement: that under theire shaddow, and thorrow theire Howse a[nd its] resolucion[s], bryers and thornes were growne upp, both among the Cavilleire and Leviling men, even to the hazard of all: that hee could a bin heartily glad in all theire five monthes time since to a heard from them, but was not soe happie, and that hee had sent to them, had hee not feared hee might have seemed to have bin an intrenshing uppon theire priviledges: that upon the whole hee thought it not convenient [for them] to sit any longer, and therefore hee did disolve this Parliament. Whereupon every one departed without a word his severall way.

G. D.

January 27, 165⅘.—

f. 37b.The next day after the dissolucion of the Parliament his Highnesse refresht himselfe with the aire in Hyde Parke, where hee likewise dined. Wednesday his Highnesse spent some tyme about the setling of his Councell, wherein Sir Anthony Ashley Cooper hath not lately sat; but that the Lord Whitlock and Mr. Serjeant Glyn are added thereunto (as generally reported) is not yet knowne. Thursday was spent in debating an ordinance for continueing an Assessment of 60,000^li per mensem. Friday they spent in a day of Humiliacion at Whitehall (with some cheife officers of the army) seeking God for a blessing upon their Councells. This day his Highnesse speech was passed in order to the presse, it being transcribed out of short[hand], but it wilbe Thursday next before it bee published. Major G. Overton is committed close prisoner to the Tower.

Westminster, January 30, 165⅘.—

f. 39.Generall Blake hath taken 2 French shippes bound for Tolon from Turkie; his fleete is still before Lygorne, itt is apprehended hee will gett considerable reparacions from the Duke of Tuscany. 60 Cardinalls were come to Rome to assist the eleccion of a new Pope. There is a scurrilous pamphlett come forth yesterday intituled, A Declaration of the Excluding the last Parliament, butt itt is without any name to itt, nor owned by any. The French treaty is neere concluded on, butt nott yett fully ended.

G. D.

Westminster, February 3, 165⅘.—

f. 43.His Highnesse nott having time to peruse his speech and correct itt for the presse is the reason why itt is nott yett published. A transcript hath bin made (this weeke) of the Bill upon which the late Parliament [spent] all their time, to the end it may be perused by his Highnes, and Councell, and that some satisfaction may be given to the nation therein. This, and the great busines of the raising of monys, hath [taken] up his Highnes and Councell these 4 last days. There was a designe lately to have surprised Bewmarris, but the designe beeing happily discovered, the cheife actor theirin is apprehended. The 15 of the last month Generall Blake was safe at Leghorne, beeing put in there by fowll weather.

Westminster, February 6.—

f. 43.The Assessement is out att 60,000^li per mensem. There are some more plotters discover’d, together with divers parcells of horse armes. Sir Humphry Bennett of Surry, Colonel Thornhill of Cambridgeshire, Colonel Gray of Northumberland, and one Weston are taken. Bennett had turned his whole estate into monies, and had expended very much therof in providing armes, and other necessaries, to goe on in the designe. There is alsoe one Reade who was solicitor to the Lord Craven, and was a prime carrier on of the businesse.

G. D.

Westminster, February 8, 165⅘.—

f. 44.The Members that served in the late Parliament for Scotland came to take their leaves of his Highnesse, and laying downe the heavy greivance of that nation by reason of a very numerous army his Highnesse told them, that the reason therof was because the Ministery did preach uppe the interest of Charles Stuart, and did much inveigh against the present authority, soe that there was a necessity of their continuance, but if they could propose any expedient with a salvo to the security of that Nation, hee was willinge to answer their desires therein: wheruppon the said Members are now consideringe of an expedient. Many dayes have beene spent uppon setleinge of the legislative power of the Nation. One of Sir T. Weston’s sonns, Collonell Grey, Sir Humphrey Bennet, and one Read, with 7 or 8 more, were yesterday apprehended upon the late plott, the last of which in his chamber was found many armes, and letters to him from Charles Stuart.

Westminster, February 13.—

f. 45b.Sithence my last the inclosed order and declaracion for the next 3 monthes Assessment was published. His Highnesse by nott making itt an ordinance hath modestly denied to assume the legislature of the Nation, though satisfied by many able judges and lawyers he may legally doe it. The Lord Howard’s brother was yesterday burnt in the hand in Westminsterhall for manslaughter. By this time the last designe of the Caviliers was come to a ripenes, for yesterday they intended to have taken away the life of his Highnesse, this day to rise in all the westerne partes, to morrow in all the northerne partes of the Nation. Hereuppon his Highnesse dispersed all officers in towne to their commands abroade, called in hither the forces that came lately out of Ireland, tripled the guards, and scoured the citty and 4 miles round with horse, and secured the last night most of the horse in the citty and suburbs, till their owners give a good accompt of themselves; but God be praised all is yet in quietnes, onely a greate fire (burning the Red Lyon Inne in Fleet streete with about 20 howses more on their backside) caused much concourse of people to quench it. This day his Highnes made a large and satisfactory speech to the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and many of the common Councell, of the reall ground of this new intended warre, and afterwards read Charles Stuart’s letter and many materiall depositions for proving thereof, as alsoe Major Wildman’s draught of a declaracion (shewing the grounds of the same) when he was taken Saturday last, dictating of it to his clearke, for which he is now committed to Chepstow Castle, and will probably loose his life. A Commission was likewise read giving power to the Lord Maior, Aldermen, Major Generall Skippon, and others, to secure, disarme and raise forces for defence of the citty, but not any of these to be drawne forth without their owne consents, to which they did willingly agree.

February 24, 165⅘.—

f. 52b.The citty have named Alderman Underwood, Alderman Tichborne, and — to bee 3 of theire Collonells to comand theire Militia regiments. They have issued out warrants to collect the next 6 monthes Assesment upon the order and declaracion of his Highnesse to that purpose, and sent a Comittee to his Highnesse to give him thankes for his care of theire safety. The Lord Grey is sent up hether by a party, and is now under restraint. Majour Generall Harison, Quartermaster Generall Courtney, and Mr. John Carey are sent away prisoners in a coach and 4 horses westward, its conceived to Pendennis Castle. Collonell Rich hath leave to goe to his dieing wife in the country for some tyme. His Highnesse and severall of his Councill went Thursday last to Hampton Court to celebrate the nuptiall of one of his neece[s] married to Judg Lockyart of Scotland. The expected peace with France is neere breakeing off, if not wholly. The report of the Duke of Yorke’s landing is a mere storey of the Malignant party. This evening wee heere that Mr. Carey is sent to the Mount in Cornwell, Majour Generall Harison to Portland Castle, and Mr. Courtney to Cowes Castle in the Isle of Wight.1

February 27, 165⅘.—

Bagnell uppon his ingenuous confession and 2000^li bayle sett att liberty. Major Wildman’s man that wrote the declaracion is escaped. The greate busines here now in hand is the setling Scotland and Ireland. My [Lord] Henry this day had monies voated for his expenses in prepareing for Ireland to be Councellour and Commander of the forces under the Deputy, yet he hath not as yet wholly given his assent to goe.

. . . . . . .

G. D.

Westminster, March 3, 165⅘.—

f. 55.His Highnesse with advice and consent of his Councill hath past an ordinance for reviveing the former ordnance against horse races for 6 monthes longer. And likewise an ordinance for reviveing the Court of the Dutchy of Lancaster, wherein Sergant Bradshaw and Judge Fell are continued judges till all causes begun and depending therein bee determined. The Lord Henry Cromwell is hasteing away for Ireland, his present commission is Majour Generall, and is likewise named one of the Councill. The Irish are unwilling to transplant or prove theire qualificacions, but they will bee forc’d to goe and make way for the English planters. Majour Wildman’s servant is escaped out of Ludlow Castle, but himselfe not nimble enough to doe the like. The Lord Grey is removed to Windsor Castle. Colonel Rich is againe in the Serjant at Armes his custody.

Westminster, March 10.—

f. 57b.His Highnesse and Councill have bin very busy this weeke in considering of faithfull and able persons in every county to bee entrusted with commissions for raiseing of horse and foote, which are to bee in the nature of a standing Militia, many clerkes being now imployed for drawing Commissions for that purpose. An informacion was given that the Earle of Ormond, Lord Inchiquin, Majour Generall Massey, had taken shipping and intended for England, but wee heare noe further nuse of them, however a party of horse and foote are marched downe to secure Rochester Bridg in Kent, and scower the parts adjacent in case there bee occasion. To prevent Majour Wildman’s escape his person was this weeke removed from Chepstow Castle to the Tower of London. Colonel Sexby, being supposed to bee equally guilty with Majour Wildman in his intended designe, was like to bee secured in the West, and at Hartley Rowe a party of horse seized on his portmantua with some writeings of concernement therein, and likewise a sute of extraordinary armes, but himselfe escaped. His Highnesse and Councell resolveing to put in speedy execution theire former ordinance for regulateing of the Chancery doe hereby much displease the long robemen of the Nation. The nominateing a Lord Deputy and Councell for the Governement of Scotland is much spoken of, but not yet resolved. The French breaking off. The greate friggott uppon the stockes at Wollidg (3 foote longer then the Royall Soveraigne) is named the Naiseby, and will bee lancht within these 14 dayes.1 29th January last Generall Blake was saileing from Leghorne to Tunis Roade, where the men of warr belonging to Argier and Tripolis are to meete shortly.

Newcastle, March 13, 165⅘.—

f. 59b.Friday night last a partie of Cavaleers was gott together within 3 miles of this towne, and did intend to have assaulted itt in 3 severall parts, butt they receiving intelligence that their plott was discover’d, tis saide are gone to Yorkeshire. Alsoe Colonel Lilburne writes that a party [of] Cavaleires under the command of Mr. Richard Maleverer was to assaulte Yorke, but being affrighted left 200 armes, one barrell of powder, and seaverall ledd horses at the hedges alsoe, at Hessam-Moore. In Nottinghamshire there was 500 of the old race did randevow, but being in an affright, left theire cart loade of ammunicion and runn away; tis thought this plott was laide in moste of the countries in England, and I have had severall allarams of it in this place. Notice has bin given of it to his Highnesse. I onely waite to receive an answer of some letters from London, and to returne to attend your commands; 4 companies I heare are ordered from Barwick to this towne, it beeing valued by your eminency.

Westminster, March 13, 165⅘.—

f. 60.Yesterday night came letters from Collonell Hacker that a party of Cavaleires (given out to be a 1000 horse) [was got together] in Nottinghamshire, and that hee had sent 3 troopes of horse to discover them, but to bee tender of ingageing in case they weere that number. Captaine Cressett and another messenger came this morneing from Salsbury, and informed his Highnesse that 300 mounted and well armed Cavalieres tooke yestermorning about 4 a clock Judge Rolls out of his bed, and forc’t his commission from him, and tooke Colonel Dove the Sheriffe prisoner, and secured the horse in the towne. Another informacion is come from Shrousebury of a designe in the Cavaleeres to secure that guarrison, for which purpose 20 horse with armes were laide priveately neere the towne, and some few men had entered the Castle in women’s apparell, but beeing happily discovered are all secured. His Highnesse hereuppon hath secured most of the horse of the citty and subburbes the last night, and mounted 500 foote, which with Generall Desborow and his regiment are marched towards Salesbury.

A party is prepareing for North Wailes under Majour Generall Reynolds, where they begin likewise to heade. The citty is hastening the setlement of the Militia, whereby more forces may bee spared hence.

G. M.

f. 60b.The last post informed you of the gathering together of about 500 horse in the forrest of Sherwood, and of theire scattering of themselves after they had bin together 4 or 5 howers; the reason whereof wee suppose to bee, they not finding things to concur according to theire expectacion. In North Wailes there were alsoe about 800 gathered together, of whome I heare noe farther as yet. There were divers Cavaleeres gathred together in Shrewsebury with an intent to have surprized the Castle, in the manner of some Gentlemen clothed in woman’s apparell [who] were to have surprised the sentrey and kept up the gate,1 while others who should have bin drincking in aile howses close by should have entered in and surprised it, but they were discovered and taken; search alsoe being made at Sir Thomas Harrisse, and the rest of the riders, they alsoe found hidden a barrell of powder and 80 pare of pistolls.

Yesterday morning about 2 howers before day Majour Generall Wagstaffe entered Salsbury with about 200 horse, and the Assises being then there they tooke away theires and the lawyers horses, abaseinge the Judges, and marching away towards Blanford.2

G. D.

Westminster, March 15, 165⅘.—

f. 62.About 60 persons were gathered together uppon Hessam Moore in Yorkshire under Sir Richard Maliverer of Allerton, but finding themselves to be noe more they dispersed, but afterwards there was aprehended and brought prisoners to Yorke Sir Richard Maliverer, Sir Henry Slingsby, Sir William Ingram, Colonel Brandling, Squire Hutton, Mr. Loftus, Andrew Hales of Yorke, with divers others, and more were daily secureing who were at the meeteing.

Thursday night the 8 instant was the time for the breakeing out throughout England. Those about New Castle gave order to their comrades to come to Duddoe, where they were to wash the bridegroomes head, and the wedding was to be kept at New Castle that night, but tis said they failing of Mrs. Bride were by order to goe Southward to joine with a partie of their owne that way, but were disapointed. Collonel Howard hath secured about 80 of the enemy in Northumberland, and sent 10 of the chiefe of them to Tinmouth Castle and 60 to Carlile. Generall Disbrow was the 15 instant about Amesbury, Major Butler was about 12 miles more to the West, soe that the next day they would joine. Major Generall Wagstaffe was the 14 instant with about 300 at Evill in Dorsetshire, tis thought they intend to escape as many as they can by water into Wales, but that is hardly possible for them to doe, at most not above 20 of them. There is noe stirring in Wales, nor any in armes that wee know of except these in Dorsetshire.

Westminster, March 17, 165⅘.—

f. 63.Since my last wee heare that a person of qualitie supposed the Earle of Newcastle, came to Hessam Moore in Yorkeshire to head the partie gather’d by Sir Richard Malivery of Allerton, but findeing there number not above 80 he dismist them to their homes; a small number did the like in Northumberland. The Lord Tufton sonne to the Earle of Thanett was taken in London with his buff coate, suite of armes, pistolls, great saddle, as he was takeing horse and goeing downe to raise the cuntry of Kent, he is since sent to the Tower, and his Highness hath bestowed his buff coate on Collonel Heane, Governor of Jersey, who hath a commission to raise a regiement of horse in Kent, and every troope in England to recruite up to a 100. Many informacions are come that Charles Steward, Major Generall Massey, Lord Ormond, and Inchiquine are come for England; strickt searches are and wilbe made for them. The cyty Militia drawes into a body and excersises Tewsday next. Commissioners are sent into every contry for setleing a Militia therein. The happy newes of takeing 50 and rowting the whole late Malignant partie in England by Captain Unton Crook’s troope of Collonel Berries regiment is printed by spetial order. Orders are this night sent to the Commissioners for sequestration for several Counties to sequester all the estates of all the traitors in this late rebellion, which will amount to a considerable summe. There were 2000 of the cuntry people in Sumersetshire up in armes against the rebellion. The Sheriffe of Devonshire, who had a comission dormant, did raise a regiment, and placed 400 in Exiter, and tooke the feild with the rest, by which you may perceave what assistance they may like to have in the contry.

Westminster, March 20, 165⅘.—

f. 65.Charles Stuart is nott yett farre off, and certainly the happiness of this businesse will bee to finde out some of those multitudes that were engaged in all parts. Captain Crooke hath taken in all neere 100 prisoners, butt nott Wagstaffe as yett. This day was a very handsome appearance of the Londoners in armes. One of our frigotts riding before Brest to keepe in the pickeroones sunke one of them having 5 guns. Generall Penn and the fleete are happily arriv’d att the Berbadoes, and have taken in very many men there for this expedition. The Dutch build frigotts very fast. The French uppon these insurreccions stopped all English vessells in France, and pressed seamen extreame fast. Their Ambassadour was to have taken leave of his Highnesse Tuesday last, butt some demurre is made.

G. D.

Westminster, March 24, 165⅘.—

f. 66.Munday last came lettres from Colonel Howard, that many of the prisoners hee hath lately taken in the northerne Counties confesse that their designe was to have seized Tinmouth Castle, and the towne of New Castle. The Genoa Ambassadour (their masters and the King of Spaine being agreed) tooke leave the same day of his Hig[h]nesse. Tuesday last Theauroh John came into the Pallace yard Westminster (being at liberty uppon baile till the next terme) with 3 before him, one carying a mace, another a sword, and the third a bowe and arrowes, and leaving 3 arrowes crosse each other in the Pallace yard, gave a waterman 20s. to cary him crosse the Thames. The same day alsoe newes came that the French have seized all the English and Dutch ships in harbour, and have a greate presse of Marriners; what their designe is wee yet know not. The Lord Buccaris,1 the greate statesman of Scotland, (’tis said) hath late passed through England towards the Highlands, but the after game of the French and himselfe cannot be well played, seing their foregame there is lost. Sithence my last we heare that about 200 of them that were in armes in the West are taken prisoners, the country picke them up in every corner, keepeing guards in all places. Lieutenant Colonel Rogers hath imprisoned Colonel Birch of Hereford for speakeing disaffectedly, and suspiciously. Sir Richard Maliverer is taken in Cheshire. Wednesday last was observed as a day of Thanksgiving by his Highnesse and Councell. The French Ambassadour seemes not to be all together uppon the spur to be gone, as he was the last weeke. Wee heare from France that Generall Pen’s fleete is safely arrived at the Barbadoes, where they have taken in neere 4000 men. The dammage by a lamentable fier this weeke in Thridneedle streete amounts not to lesse then 30,000^li. The generall report here of the secureing Charles Stuart and the Duke of Buckingham at Yorke is but a report, though the latter may be suddenly.

G. M.

The Duke of Savoy hath evicted [?] an edict to banish all protestants out of his dominions. Noe newes as yett of a new Pope ’tis said they will sweare him to a neutralitie between the 2 crownes.

G. D.

March 31, 1655.—

f. 68.Care is taken how to improve this late plott. It seemeth as if the French and wee shall hardly agree. Hee demonstrates hee hath noe minde to an agreement if hee can otherwayes help himselfe. Charles Stewart lies as yet in obscurity to us, but the Duke of Buckingham will bee more easily discovered. Collonell Howard hath lately secured his owne brother, and diverse others of the no[r]thern Gentry. His Highnesse hath given Majour Generall Morgan’s1 regiment to Lieutenant Collonell Mitchell (a very ingenuous and deserveing person). Wednesday morning last an imbargo was put uppon all vessels in the river Thames and severall other ports, to continue till the fowerth day of Aprill, by which tyme wee expect to heere what the French intend by drawneing downe their army towards our coasts. The Militia of the citty had then leave given them to revive theire artilery company for the trayneing and exerciseing of well affected persons.

A commission of oyre and terminer is issued out to Baron Thorpe, Serjant Glin, and Recorder Steele to try eruptours at Sailesbury and elcewheere in the west. The Atturney Generall, Mr. Hill, and Graves are appointed Councill for the Commonwealth upon their tryall. The like comission is makeing out for the tryall of those in the north. Majour Brampston hath his liberty heere, and yesternight Mr. Oates was with his Highnesse, who gave him onely a sharpe reproofe for his follie, uppon promise of his faithfull deportment for the future.1 The Duke of Lenox died Thursday night last. Wee have reeceived noe letters this 3 past dayes from France. Wee size all theire shipps in port and elcewheere, as they doe oures. Caution is given to the merchants heere tradeing into France to secure their debts, and to provide against a storme.

G. M.

Westminster, March 31, 1655.—

Wee have taken a French shippe loaden with iron and other commodities going for the west. Sir Richard Mauliverer is escaped out of Chester. On Munday the Attorney Generall and others intend for the west for the triall of those who were taken there. The French treaty is att a stand untill an account bee given of the late imbargoe of our shippes.

G. D.

Westminster, April 3, 1655.—

f. 69.The businesse for the settlement for the Governement of Scotland is neere finished. The imbargoe in France was only att Roan, and Deepe, and one other port; orders were sent generallie to make seizure of our English goods, butt nott executed.

G. D.

Westminster, April 5, 1655.—

f. 70.The new forces added to each regiment of the standing army are againe disbande[d]. Tuiesday last Generall Desbrow returned from the west. The French Ambasadour comes on againe vigorously for concludeing peace upon the treaty, pretending the imbargoe uppon our shipps in France to be onely for the impressing of seamen of theire owne for his Majesties service. The imbargo at London is alsoe taken off. His Highnesse was last night untill 11 a clock upon examination of Colonel Penruddock and Colonel Jones, who weere of Sir Joseph Wagstaffe’s party. His Highnesse and Councill have appointed commissions of oyre and terminer and gaole delivery both for the west and for the north. Baron Thorpe, Serjeant Glyn, and Mr. Recorder Steele, Mr. Long, and Mr. Sadler are for the west, unto whome are added divers Gentlemen of those counties; Justice Nudigate, Justice Nicholas, Justice Windham, and Serjeant Hutton are for the north. Mr. Rogers the minister is removed from Lambeth Howse prisoner to Winsor Castle. Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne indeavoured to send a pacquett lately for England, but the party that had it before the officer could come to search him threw it over board. Two greate persons weere taken by a constable at Ailesbury, and an inkeeper that undertooke theire safety untill the next morning put them in a roome from whence they escaped. It is thought they were Ormond and Wilmott.1

It’s talk’t of heere, that a President and Councill are to bee appointed for Scotland, that the Lord Broghill is to bee President, Generall Monck, Scout[master] Generall Downeing, and Mr. Desbrow, the earl2 of Twedaile, Colonel Lockhart, Sir James McDowall of Garthland, and Provost Jefferies are to bee the Members of the Councill.

Westminster, April 12, 1655.—

f. 73.His Highnesse and Councill have setled the fines of Scotland, and are now goeing to lay an Excise upon the commodities of that nation. Colonel Jones and Colonel Penruddock (after theire examinacion at Whitehall) are sent downe into the west in order to theire tryall. Many other prisoners uppon the same designe are sent from severall counties, and after examinacion here are in the same manner disposed of.

The imbargo uppon our shippes and seizure to theire goods in France is not yet taken off (though the French Ambassadoures endeavoures to perswade the contrary), which heightens thinges heere against them, and the rather because the Dutch and they are neere uppon a closure and a right understanding of each other. Generall Pen’s fleete wee heere is yet at the Barbadoes takeing in men, more cloathes are provideing for them. The inkeeper of Ailesbury stands committed for letting the Lord Wilmot escape, and Sir Thomas Bainton of Kent is committed to the Tower, who provided a lodging for him in London, but nothing further of Wilmott. Yesterday the greate shipp called the Naiseby was endeavoured to bee lancht, but could not for want of water; with this morneing tide shee was gott off. The businesse of France has taken upp much debate, but wee are in the darke as to its result, beeing variously reported (?). The French letters say that the order for the seizure of the English goods is taken off, merchants letters say alsoe that the imbargo is taken off. The ratificacion of the Sweedish treaty was yesterday delivered. Wee expect daily the issue of the commissions of oyre and terminer.

Westminster, April 17, 1655.—

f. 77.There were arraigned as parties in the late rebellion at Salesbury ten persons, whereof 3 weere acquitted, 6 convicted, and one confessed the fact, and submitted to mercy. The 3 that weere acquitted are, William Willoughby of Knoell of that county Esqr., against whome appeared noe probable cause of prosecution.1 The other two weere Mr. Henry Zouch and Edward Zouch his brother of the same county, though the evidence against the elder was some what plaine, against the other not very cleare.2 The former of these two pray’d a coppie of the Inditement and Councill to bee assigned him, which was promised him in case hee should propounde any doubt in law, the other was denyed it. The first that was convicted was John Lewcas a shopkeeper of about 2 or 300^li per annum. The next was John Deane of Oxen wood in the same county, an Inns of Court gentleman, very younge, and of good qualitie and estate. The Court did much comiserate this gentleman, and advised him to continue his ingenuitie and free confession, that they might have whereupon to interceede for him as a fit object of mercy, but [he] standing soe much upon his guarde and defence was upon manifest evidence convicted. The 3d. was one Kensey a chirurgeon of London. The rest were one John Fryer, Penruddockes man, who was one of the first that weere taken in Sailesbury, Henry Lawrence, that were tennant to Penruddock, John Thorpe gentleman, against whome the evidence was very plaine, for that hee endeavored the breakeing of the prison, and to unfetter and horse the prisoners. The last was one Macke, an apothecary of Sailesbury, who confest the fact, and submitted to mercy, and produced to the Court his Highnesse protection. There weere five more (all persons of the rebellion) convicted for a robery, two more of Sailesbury were convicted for horse stealing. These are all that were tryed there of that crew (saveing onely a horse stealer and a woman for witch craft, both convicted).1 The Inditements were laide for leavying warr against the Lord Protectour and Governement &c. Contra forma[m] statut[i]. Mr. Sherriffe, my Lord Rolls’ servant, Captain Crooke, and 4 or 5 more, were the principall witnesses. Mr. Justice Windham gave the charge and managed cheefely the businesse. At Exeter it will fall out to Mr. Serjant Glynn’s turne, and at Chard to Mr. Recorder Steele’s. Joseph Wagstaffe, Mason, Carre, Sir Henry More, Pile, Sarlow, Bold, Chivas a vintner there, Andrewes, Seamoure, Greene, Mompesson, and Cotterell were founde guilty by the Grand Inquest, but are all at large.

G. M.

Westminster, April 17, 1655.—

f. 78b.Merchants’ letters from France by the last post doe say, that there is a new stopp of shipps at Rochell and other ports in France, although the French Ambassadour hath declared to the Councill, that though his Master should fall out with England, yet hee would not make a prey of poore merchants’ shipps to enrich himselfe withall. Generall Blake hath taken 4 shipps lately in the Straites.

G. D.

Westminster, April 21, 1655.—

f. 79b.The 12th instant the Lord Commissioner Lisle, Lord Cheife Justice Rolls, Serjant Glynn, and Serjant Steele Recorder, broke up their commission at Salisbury. Penruddock and Jones are removed from thence to Exeter in order to their tryall. A restraint (not amounting to an imbargo) is put on all Spanish vessells here for some time; the reason thereof is not yett made publique. There were 10 ordinary persons arraigned att Salisbury as parties in the late rebellion, three where of were acquitted, 6 convicted and one confest the fact, and submitted to mercy, which hee had accordingly. The Inditements were laid for leavying war against the Lord Protector and Government &c. Contra formam statuti. Justice Windham gave the charge and managed cheifly the busines there. At Exeter itt will fall to Serjant Glyn’s turne, and at Chard to Mr. Recorder’s. The French Ambassadour delayes the concluding of a treaty here till hee heare what his Master concludes with Spaine, and how far he can engage other Princes or States for him. Thursday night last the Duke of Lenox his corpes was brought by barge privately to bee interred at Hen. 7^ths chappell in Westminster, and it was attended by 16 Earles besides many other persons of quality. . . . An Ambassadour extraordinary is comming hither from Spaine. A great fire happened the last night in Southwarke, where about 40 houses were burntt.

Westminster, April 24, 1655.—

f. 81.Att Exeter there have bin 3 Bills of High Treason referr’d to the Grand Jury, the first against these 10 vzte. Colonel John Penruddock, Mr. Hugh Grove, Mr. Richard Rives, Mr. Robert Duke, and Mr. George Duke his brother, Mr. Francis Jones, Mr. Francis Bennett, Mr. Thomas Fitz-James, Mr. Edward Davy, and Thomas Poulton, all which are convicted of High Treason, excepting Bennett, who was acquitted. The 2d. against Edward Willis, Nicholas Mussell, Wm. Jenkins, Mr. Thomas Hillyard, Mr. William Stroud, Roberte Harris, John Bibbye, John Cooke, and John Haynes, the Sheriffe of Wilts’ trumpeter that went along from Salisbury, all which saving Stroud were convicted, Jenkins by confession of the fact, and the rest by the verdict of the Jury that passed on them.1 The 3d. Bill was against Mr. Henry Collier, Mr. Joseph Collyer his brother, Mr. William Wakes of Blandford, and Christopher Haviland, which 4 confessed the Indictment after the debate of their claime to Articles from Captain Crooke, for their lives, liberties, and estates, which the Captaine affirmeth were noe articles, but verball condiccions to this effect, that they should have faire quarter, which they have had, and that he would ernestly intercede with my Lord Protector for their lives, liberties, and estates which likewise he hath done;2 James Horsington, and John Giles who were in Salisbury goale for robbery, and let out uppon this insurrection, Hans Styver a Dutch trumpeter, Abraham Wilson, Richard Browne, and Nich. Broadegate, which 6 have pleaded not guilty, and were to be tryed Saturday last in the afternoone. Penruddocke and Robert Duke pleaded hard for their lives. Grove (one of 400^li per annum) is a dareing and resolute person; but the most desperate were the most ancient of them, Rives and Hillyard, who boldly avowed the fact with justificaccion, disowned the present government, affirmed positively they owed not obedience but to Charles Stuart, for they had sworne they said to be true to the Kinge, and they at present [had] noe legall established government in this nacion &c. There are in that goale of such as were parties in this insurreccion 105, but noe more of them wilbe impeached, leastwise at this time.3

Westminster, April 24.—

The Marquesse of Leda4 is expected in our frigott, which is sent for him with the first easterly winde from Dunkirke. The French Ambassadour makes a pidling still, assuredly they looke to make friends among themselves, which makes them carelesse of a peace with us. Penruddock, Jones, and 13 others are condemned at Exetour. I hope you will heare ere this come to your hands that the Judges in the commissions for the North could not agree upon theire businesse, pleading [?]f. 82. the neerenesse of the terme, a necessity of a conference first with the rest of the Judges, where[fore] the tryall of those in those parts is put of. Care is now takeing about reduceing of charge of the army, for which end a comittee of officers is appointed. His Highnesse will speedilie dispatch with Councell the Governement of Scotland.

G. D.

Westminster, April 26, 1655.—

f. 83.These are condemned at Exeter and have sent uppe a peticion1 begging their lives, but hee hath written to the Judges giveing them power to shew mercy as they thinke most meete, and last referring them to them: John Penruddock, Henry Groves, Richard Rives, Robert Duke, Francis Jones, George Duke, Thomas Fitz James, Thomas Hilyard, Edward Davis, William Jenkins, William Wake, Henry Collier, Joseph Collier, Anthony Humilad, Thomas Poulton, Edward Willis, Joseph Bilby, Joseph Cooke, Abraham Wilson, William Hastington, Richard Browne, Mich. Mussle, Robert Harris and three trumpeters.

G. D.

Westminster, May 1.—

f. 84.Five are condemned at Chard. The commissioners of the Greate Seale doe make some scruple of putting in execution the ordnance for the Chancery, which yett many are of opinion that they will doe itt, otherwayes you may expect a new face of that Court.

G. D.

Westminster, May 8.—

f. 85.The Spanish Plate fleete is arrived safe in Spain, which is noe small joy to the Spaniards, and some dissappointment to us. His Highnesse hath referr’d itt to a committee to consider of lessening the charge of the army, by reduceing such number of officers and suldjours, or lessening theire pay as they shall thinke fitt, and to report to his Highnesse. A new Greate Seale is almost made, with the addition of Scotland to England and Ireland therein, with his Highnesse pourtraicture on the other side, which makes people heere give out generally that his Highnesse is to bee crowned forthwith, and that a Lord Keeper is to bee made, because the present Lord Commissioners refuse to act by the late ordinance for regulacion of the Chancery. The Marquesse of Leyde (Ambassadour extraordinary for Spaine) landed at Dover, beeing accompanied with two Marquesses besids 70 persons more of his attendants, and this night came in greate state.

Thursday last Barron Thorpe and Justice Newdigate had theire pattents taken from them, for refuseing to act by the late Commission for tryall of the Northern Risers. The same day the Prince of Transilvania’s agent had audience of his Highnesse, wherein hee exprest the high esteeme his Master had of his Highnesse. The same day alsoe came a warrant from his Highnesse and Councill, requireing the Lords Commissioners of the Greate Seale to put in execucion the ordinance of his Highnesse and Councill for regulation of the Chancery as they would answer the contrary. The same day alsoe was appointed for the execucion of those condemned (and not since reprived) at Exetour, but how many died wee yet know not. The 6th of February last our fleete sailed from the Barbadoes, where they tooke betweene 4 and 5000 men, and 80 Dutch shipps that traded ther contrary to the late Parliament. The tryall of prisoners at Chard is over, and not above 6 condemned. . . . .

The French Ambassadour came yesterday to take leave of his Highnesse, and yet that afternoone the French treaty revived. The Lord Protector hath accompanied her Highnesse to Hampton where shee keepes Court all this sumer.

Westminster, May 13, 1655.—

f. 88.There are 14 executed att Exeter, Penruddock and Jones were beheaded, and the rest hanged; but three executed at Salisbury, the rest reprived and pardoned. Tuesday the Lord Ambassadour of Spaine had audience in greate state in the Banquetting howse, the substance amounted not to much more then a complement. Last Wednesday night the Master of the Rolles, Mr. Lenthall, was sent for to Whitehall, and being asked whether he would act uppon the ordinance for regulaccion of the Chancery, he answeared in the negative, uppon which a writ of ease ’tis thought is to be sent to him. The Lords Commissioners being asked the same question, they answered that they had given their reasons why they could not, and their positive answeares being required, they desired to be excused, saying their answeares might easily be extracted out of their reasons.1 The Comittee for lessening the pay of the army have ended the worke, and reduced the pay of the private souldiers out of guarrison to 9^d per diem, those in guarrison to 8^d per diem, and troopers to 2s. per diem, disbanded 5 companies of dragoones, and retrenched the pay of each officer soe much as will lessen the pay of the army 28,000^li per mensem. It is likewise ordered by them that a militia of horse shalbe setled in all the counties of England, each troop to have 8^li per annum, and the Captain 60^li per annum, who are to muster 4 times a yeare.

Westminster, May 19, 1655.—

f. 91.Generall Blake hath lately fired a castle2 in Tunis which prejudic’t his fleete as they passed by itt, hee hath alsoe fired the dock and harbour belonging to itt, where they made their galleys, and all their other vessells therein; the Turkey marchants here are afraid that their estates must repaire these losses. The retrenchment of the pay of officers and souldiers (mentioned in my last) will bring the armies in England, Scotland, and Ireland, to bee fully paid by the Assesment of 60,000^li per mensem and the 20,000^li per mensem assest upon Scotland and Ireland. Friday sennight his Highnes went to Hampton Court, where hee continued till Tewsday last. The Spanish Ambassadour hath had a second audience, which was still upon generalls for ammity and good correspondence betweene the 2 nations. The French treaty goes on slowly, but its thought surely. Two Gentlemen were taken this weeke upon suspition intendedly to act a designe against his Highnes person, for that in one of their pocketts was found a letter to his freind in Holland, that the engine was now ready, and that it would doe execution upon the tyrants person at least 300 yards distance. The Lord Deputy of Ireland is gone into Connaught to settle that province. A petition is come lately from Ireland that the rest of the Irish may be banisht and confined according to the late Act of Parliament in that behalfe. Serjant Mainard, Serjant Twisden, and Waddam Windham, were yesterday taken from the bar in Westminster Hall, and sent prisoners to the Tower; the cause not knowne, but vulgarly given out for beeing of Councell for one Cony against the Commonwealth, who refused to pay custome for goods, and beeing committed by the Committee for Preservation of Customes, brought a Habeas Corpus, upon which his tryall should then have beene, but the certaine truth heerof your Honour may expect by the next.

Westminster, May 24, 1655.—

f. 92.The trew cause of Serjeant Maynard, Serjeant Twisden, and Waddham [Windham’s] comittment to the Tower was for theire pleading to the Court, that the ordinance of his Highnesse and Councill for receiveing the customes was noe better then a private order of a Councill table. The Upper Bench Court have graunted a Habeas Corpus for the Lord Grey committed to Windsor Castle, and the Sherriffe makeing a returne that the Governoure will not deliver them, its saide they have since graunted a Posse Comitatus, and what the High Sherriffe will doe thereupon the people are in greate expectation of. Monday morning last these Scottch Lords, (vizt.) Lotherdaile, Sincleere, Kelley, and Crawford, with two Ashburnhams, and the Lord Granson1 were sent from the Tower (where they weere prisoners), but to what other place or places of restrainte theire nerest relations must not yet know. 12 saile of shipps with men and other supplies will bee ready within 14 dayes to sett saile from hence towards Generall Penn. The Dutch are about paying 85,000^li to our merchants in liew of our losses susteined by them in the Easte Indias. The merchants have petitioned that a committee may bee appointed to pay it equally to each mans losses. Tuiesday last wee had letters from Generall Penn dated March 28th as hee was under saile at the Barbadoes, haveing on bord 7000 souldjours besides 4000 seamen, all in good health. Yesterday the same Court of Upper Bench graunted another Habeas Corpus for Coney, an erroure being founde in the former, and Saturday next the debate will bee resumed. The Lord Biron and his sonne with others are lately committed to the Tower. Collonel Grove and Penruddock lost theire heads but this weeke uppon one scaffold at Exetour. Generall Blakes fireing 11 shipps in Porto Domingo, and battering the Castle with the losse of 30 men, is confirmed. The Turkes incline to deliver upp our English slaves, and to enter into amity with us. The Excise to be laide [on] Ireland and Scotland is almost perfected. The setling a militia in every countie hath taken upp much time all this weeke, and is neere finishing.

G. M.

Westminster, June 2, 1655.—

f. 93.The Court of Upper Bench granted an al[ia]s Habeas Corpus to Mr. Coney (error being found in the former), which was fil’d on Saturday last, and judgment should have bin Monday last given thereuppon, but deferred till the first day of the next terme. The 3 lawyers comitted to the Tower have petitioned for liberty, acknowledging and being sorrowfull for theire erroure, but yet his Highnesse hath done nothing therein. Monday last the Lord Commissioners of the Great Seale came of the Court into the Exchequer, and the Lord Whitelock made a learned speech to Recorder Steele (who was then to bee sworne Lord Cheefe Barron of the Court), shewing the aucthority, reason, and justice of the lawes of England, the trust reposed in him by calling him to that place, and his abillity and knowledge in the law to execute it, and after a short selfe denyeing answer hee was sworne. Instruccions and Commissions were dispatcht for the Militia forces, who are to take an engagement to bee true and faithfull to his Highnesse. They are to bee ready at 48 howers warning, and if above a month out together, then to have the stablished pay of the army. The Captain hath 100^li per annum, Lieutenant 50^li, Cornet 25^li, Quartermaster 13^li 6^s 8^d, each of the three Corporalls 2^li, Trumpeters 5^li 6^s 4^d, each souldjour 8^li.

Colonel Humphreyes commands 1000 men, which with 12 saile are goeing as a supply to the West Indias. The Lord Henry goes not this month for Ireland. The Councill of Scotland intends to set forward the latter end of the next weeke. Little Mr. Graves (’tis saide) will bee made Recorder in the Citty in the place of Mr. Steele. His Highnesse sending for the Lord Mayre Thursday last, and the Judges the next day about businesse of greate concernement, caused many to come downe to Westminster in greate expectation that his Highnesse would alter his title, but hee being gone to Hampton Court, they thinke it may probably bee on Thursday next.

G. M.

London, June 9.—

f. 96.The ratification of the peace with Sweden being seald his Highnesse hath appointed Mr. Rolt, a gentleman that attends his Highnesse person, to carry the said ratificacion to Sweden. Colonel Fines hath received his pattent for being Lord Privy Seale, but is not yet sworne. The Lord Lambert is made Lord Warden of the Cinque Portes, but Colonel Sydenham is not yet made Lord Treasurer as reported. His Highnesse hath knighted Mr. Copliston the High Sheriffe of Devonshire, and gave him the sword he knighted him with for his activenesse against the late eruptours at Salisbury, and hath given 200^li per annum to Captain Crooke whoe suppressed and tooke that party. His Highnes hath given Lieutenant Colonel Talbot comission to command the regiment late Colonel Alureds.1 Thursday last the Lord Cheife Justice Rolles gave in his pattent to his Highnesse. Friday sevennight one of the Masters of Requests was by his Highnesse and Councell (at the request of the citty) nominated Recorder. The Prince of Transilvanias agent hath received his dispatch, and is preparing homewards. His Highnesse [h]is assuming the legislative power in some cases of necessity, and in the intervalls of Parliament, [and] the altering of his title is much spoken of. The former is generally said to bee agreed upon. Yesterday morning the Lords Commissioners of the Greate Seale delivered up the Greate Seale to his Highnesse, according to his Highnesse command. The Advocate Generall, or Lord Whitlock (it’s said), wilbe Lord Keeper, and Serjant Glyn Lord Cheife Justice of the Upper Bench, and that the Lord Richard Cromwell wilbe made Lord High Admirall is generally reported, and the Lord Henry Cromwell Deputy of Ireland. The Spanishe Ambassadour hath this day sent [for leave to] bee gone. On Munday the foot are to bee drawne out which are to goe for the West Indyes, and the shipps are in readinesse to receive them on board. There are lettres come that the third provision ship is arrived at Barbadoes, and that the 4th was in the sight of the Island.

The army under General Venables is already 10,000 besides seamen. The last night the Lord Willoughby, Jeffrey Palmer, Lord Lovelace, Orlando Bridgeman, and Colonel Ayres and divers others were apprehended and sent to the Tower. The Lord Bradshaw hath bene twice sent for to the Councell for not paying his sesse; Prayse God Barebones and some others alsoe refuse it. Mr. Tombes whoe was heire to Sir Paul Pindar’s estate hath lately hang’d himselfe.

Westminster, June 16, 1655.—

f. 98.The souldjory in Ireland have the last weeke taken possession of theire lands in that nation according to each of theire lotts. The forces drawne out of each regiment to compleate a regiment for the West Indias were put on board Monday last, soe that the fleete wilbee speedily under saile. The Spanish Ambassadour (that lately came hether) hath taken an amicable leave of his Highnesse, being remanded back by his Master. Yesterday the Lord Henry Cromwell being accompanied out of towne with many persons of quallity [set out for Ireland]. Serjant Glyn is made Lord Cheefe Justice insteade of the Lord Rolls. The old Greate Seale is broken, and Colonel Fines and Lord Lisle sitt as Lords Commissioners of the new Greate Seale, which hath this sircumscripcion: Oliverus Dei gratia, Angliae, Scotiae, Hiberniae, &c. Protector, with the armes of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, and his owne in the midst of them, and on the other side his owne effigies mounted on horse back. This day many persons of quallity were brought in prisoners out of severall counties. Mr. Lenthall is nominated Master of the Rolls. Mr. Carey of Haberd[ash]ers Hall and one Mr. Knight are nominated two of the Judges for Ireland.

Westminster, June 23, 1655.—

f. 99.The Commissioners of the Militia in the severall counties have secured the persons of most of the Malignant nobility and gentry of this nacion till their Militia be setled. After evening sermon the last Lord’s day a colleccion was made from howse to howse, the contribucions were large, privat gentlemen, nay some tradesmen, subscribed 10^li, others 20^li a peece. Sir William Constable who died in the Strand was solemnly interr’d Thursday last in Westminster Abbey after the militery manner, most of the officers of the army in and nere London attending his corpes to the place of interment . . . . Yesterday letters were brought to his Highnesse, importing that our fleete had landed in Hispaniola all the forces under comand of Generall Venables, without the least opposition of the Spanyard or other inhabitants, and that when our forces entered theire cheefe citty, Sancto Domingo, they found not any people therin, being fled (as it is conceived) to the woods upon our first landing. We expect a more particular accompt hereof daily from Generall Penn. The Lords of the protestant Cantons of Switzerland have sent deputies to demand of the Duke of Savoy a debt of ij millions of crownes, and in case hee give not a satisfactory answer to declaire that they intend to pay themselves as they can finde opportunity.

Westminster, July 14, 1655.—

f. 103b.From Tunis the merchants have letter, that our shippes are trading there with very great freedome. His Highnesse and Councill have appointed Judges for the several Courts of Justice in Ireland, vizt. Miles Corbet Esqr., Lord Chiefe Baron, Mr. Cary Barron of the Exchequer, Mr. Pepis Lord Chiefe Justice of the Common Pleas, Mr. Cooke Justice of the Upper Bench, Mr. Lowther Lord Chiefe Justice, and Mr. Doniland Justice of the Common Pleas, and the affaires of the Greate Seale to be managed by the Lord Chiefe Baron Corbet, Lord Pepis, and Lord Lowther: such of these as are of the Councill of Ireland will continue to act in both capacities. An Ambassadour extraordinary from Venice is commeing hither. The G[r]and Signiour’s causing the throates of the English Ambassadour and all the English merchants to be cut, and their estates to be confiscated, amounting to 18 millions of crownes (in revenge of Generall Blake’s burning the 9 men of warre of Tunis), is againe confirmed by letters from the Duke of Savoy’s Court. Yesterday his Highnes sent for all the Judges to Whitehall, wheare hee gave them a very learned chardge before they entred upon theire severall Councils. His Highnesse hath given orders that the Commissioners for givinge reliefe upon articles should cease to sitt or act farther upon the powers given to them, by which meanes the Lord Bradshaw is out of his last publique imployment. The Cavaleires postinge out of the towne Thursday last makes the cittsens complaine already for want of tradinge, and will speedily indanger many purses upon the roads: most of them that staid contrarie to the proclamation are since secured, and wish they had departed. The Lord Henry is gott safe to Ireland. Wee have heard nothinge from Generall Blake or Penn. His Highnesse is gone to Hampton Courtt.

Westminster, July 19, 1655.—

A young gent was Thursday last brought before His Highness and Councell suspected to bee the Duke of Glocester, but hee proving to bee another was the next day discharged. His Highness hath sent letters to all the Sheriffs in England and Wales to returne the names of the parishes in their Shirrifedomes, soe that hee may know which of them have neglected to send up their contributions for the poore protestants in Savoy. His Highnesse hath sent his order to reduce every foote regiment of 1000 to 800, and those of horse proportionably, by the 23th instant, and to pay their supernumeraries till then, and the Treasury shall repay them here.

Westminster, July 24, 1655.—

f. 107b.The newes from Generall Pen’s fleete is, that our army is landed without any losse in Hispaniola in a healthy and good condicion, onely that Majour Generall Haynes by a rash and unadvised attempt with seaven men against the enemy hath lost his life. The Councill of Scotland theire instruccions are ingrosed and signed by his Highnesse, soe that they wilbee in readinesse within 14 dayes tyme to set forward thither. Hannam that hath bin an highway man these twenty yeares last past, and hath gott a considerable estate by that trade, was this Sessions condemned, but uppon reasons advantageous to the publicque is since reprived. The Swedish Ambassadour extraordinary with above 100 attendants hath landed at Gravesend these 7 dayes last past, his coach horses and other necessaries being not yet come a shoare. The Scoutmaster Generall, Mr. Downeing, is nominated publicqly agent for the Switzers, and wilbee dispatcht away very speedily.

G. M.

Westminster, August 4, 1655.—

f. 109.Uppon the Swedish Ambassadors first coming off from Tower Hill, the French Ambassadour ambitiously interposed with his coach the next to that of his Highnesse, pretending hee tooke the Swedish Ambassadours coach to bee the Spanish Ambassadours, who (to prevent a quarrell betweene the French Ambassadour and him in point of precedency) absented himselfe that day, but that mistake being rectified, the lacques and attendants on boath sides put upp their swords, and the Sweedish Ambassadour’s coach tooke his right place. His Highnesse hath impowered severall Commissioners in Jersey to sequester the estates of all the inhabitants thereof, unlesse they pay a fine imposed uppon them for their delinquencies by a day certaine. Tuiesday last the Sweedish Ambassadour had audience at Whitehall in much state. Hee was onely uppon generalls at present, for amitie, union, and good correspondency between the two nations. His 2d audience was Wedensday last, and then hee was more perticular, but the substance thereof is thought fitt to bee kept privat. The instruccions for the Councill of Scotland being perfected, many of the members are gone downe, and the rest goeing daily. The Lord Deputy Fleetwood is uppon a speedy voyage for England, lodgings in White hall beeing prepareing for him. The report of Generall Blake his takeing 12 Sally men of warr is confirmed. The officers of the new Militia troopes in the severall counties were yesterday feasted by his Highnesse at White hall. The Cavalleare partie now under restraint hath taken upp much debate, and for their allowing 10^li per annum out of every 100^li per annum for maintenance of the new Militia troopes (who are raised onely for the safety of the nacion against that partie) is not yet fullie determined. Letters came this day from Generall Venables, that hee had taken the Island of Jamica in the West Indieas, where they had not onely the benefitt of fresh provisions, but1 wilbee inabled thereby to releive dizines and indisposition of the land forces occasioned by a sea voyage, which sayes (this letter) was the sole cause why our 2 parties under Heanes and Jackson could not stand the charge of the enemy at their first landing,2 wherein hee assured his Highnesse that the losse of neere 250 was the whole number of that miscarriage, and that after a few weekes refreshment in this Island hee doubts not but to give his Highnesse a good account of St. Dominigo and the greatest part of Hispaniola.

August 11, 1655.—

f. 111b.Friday last His Highnesse made Sir Gilbert Pickering Lord Chamberlane, and appointed Sir Thomas Billingsley, Mr. Rolt, Mr. Barrington, and Mr. Harvey, to bee Gentlemen of his Bedchamber. Mr. Winslow, one of the Commissioners that went with Generall Venables, is dead of the country dissease, and likewise Clarke, who was Lieutenant Collonell to Majour Generall Hayne. Our forces wanted water some dayes before they landed in Hispaniolay, but are now well supplyed with all accomodation, Generall Penn haveing left with them fower monthes provisions, and the like quantity for the 12 best shipps that staies and attends the movements1 and designes of our land forces, for the rest of the fleete, noe further occasion being there for them, wilbee imployed uppon the service. Our losse in Hispaniola by the ambuscade of the enemy expresses not the number of 250 men (as all letters confirme). A petition is carryeing on in severall places here for his Highnesse to assume the title of Emperoure or King, the subscription[s] wilbee many, but there is not any of them yet presented to his Highnesse who went to Hampton Court Thursday night last; . . . Information being given that many of the Royall party, and some of them persons of quallity and others of very desperate condition, did lurke privately in London and Westminster contrary to the late proclamacion of his Highnesse and Councill, order was given that strict search should bee made for them by constables of the severall parishes, which accordingly was executed on Thursday night last, and many persons apprehended thereupon, and since comitted. The Lord President and most of the Councill of Scotland begin their journey for Scotland the next weeke. That the Lord Deputy Fleetwood is made Generallissimo of all the forces in the 3 nations signifies at present noe more then a common report.

G. M.

August 18, 1655.—

Dundee in Scotland is ordered to bee disgarrison’d, whereby an equall reducement is made of all the Governours pay in Scotland. Sincleere is ordered to bee made a guarrison. A printed [petition] in the name of the freeholders of England, desireing his Highnesse to assume the title of King, or Emperor, and (till the next Parliament bee called) the legislative power of the nation, was offered by some persons, Monday last, to merchants and others then uppon the Exchange to be signed by them, but they not understanding the danger thereof refused. His Highnesse and Councill have since thought fit to give order for calling in and suppressing the said petition.1 A Greate Seale is lately sent into Ireland, where as well as in Scotland the greate businesse hath bin soe to reduce the forces in both nacions as to bring them within the pay of both nations of the new establishment.f. 113b. The Sweeds greate victory over the Powlanders is confirmed, which made the Sweedish Ambassadour to set yesterday apart for a day of thankes giveing, and the greatest preparations for fire workes was made that ever were seene in England. They were performed both by land and water, but because much danger was apprehended by the inhabitants in fireing theire howses the best part of the more curious workes were forborne. A greate dinner was made, at which the French and Dutch Ambassadours, the Lord Whitelock, and severall other persons of honour was present. The Lord Protectour was not invited (as the common report goes), 3 hogsheads of clarret wyne run out at severall spouts which was free for the vulger to receive. The disbanding of 20 of each company of foote in the 3 nations is over; if they had bin formed into regiments most of them would have bin ingaged for the West Indias, but blessed bee God noe need is there of them. Generall Blacke is yet in the Straites, and waites there to good purpose, if the Spaniards Silver fleete have not received a prohibicion to saile out of poart till further order. The sending 20,000 English to joyne with the Sweeds army hath bin debated, but not yet concluded. The Lord Deputy Fleetwood intends to bee heere by the 10th of the next month; some say hee will bee made Lord Treasurer imedeately upon his comeing over, others that hee will have a Marshall command. His Highnesse went to Hampton Court Thursday night last, it is a place where hee takes much delight.

G. M.

Westminster, August 25, 1655.—

f. 115b.The Lord Henry Cromwell was the last weeke enterteyned by the University of Dublin, being their Chancellor, with very greate solemnity. Hee was met at the outward gate by the Vice-Chancellor, Provost of Trinity Colledge, and Docter Dudley Loftus, publicque professer of the Civill Lawes, with many Doctors, were all robed in scarlet, who with the rest of the Graduats attended his Lordship into the Convocation House, where hee had their congratulatory salutation from the mouth of Dr. Rowles, which ended the Procter made another speech in order to phylosiphy, after which Dr. Loftus as Docter of the Chaire presented Colonel Sankey to the Chanceller to bee admitted ad eundem gradum. Hee likewise presented (after another eloquent oration) Sir Hardris Waller, Sir John Reynolds, Sir George Ascue, Sir Timothy Tirrill, and the Lord President of Connaught, and after severall other orations Mr. Georges, the Lord Henry Cromwell’s Secretarye, by command from his Lordship closed with a very eloquent speech to the University in congratulating the learned performance of the day. Afterwards the Doctors and many persons of quallity attended his Lordship and Councill unto the Provost’s Lodgings, where they were entertained with a plentifull banqet. His Lordship by countenancing the interest of the magistracy and ministry, comeing to their publiq ordinances both at lectures and on the Lord’s day, doth gaine much uppon theire affections. The Lord Lambert, Generall Desbrow, Collonel Goff, Comissary Generall Whalley, Lord Deputy Fleetwood, Majour Generall Skippon, Lieutenant Colonel Worseley, and Lieutenant Collonel Kelsey are appointed Commanders in Cheefe of the new Militia forces in the severall counties, which are devided amongst the said officers who are all coming upp to receive fartherorders. Thursday last his Highnesse and Councill set apart for a day of Humiliation to seeke God for seasonable weather, which is much wanted in the 3 nations. . . . His Highnesse and Councill sat yesterday night till almost 8 of the clock; their results are kept private.

Westminster, September 1, 1655.—

f. 118.The businesse of Mr. Cordwall (the Minister that preaches downe the ministry of the nation) because it is very much taken notice of, his Highnesse hath taken the examinacion thereof uppon himselfe, and in the interim the Tryers forbeare any further persecucion against him. The Lord Howard haveing waved his command of a regiment of horse [is] to continue his command of the life-guard. His regiment of horse was this weeke given to Collonell Ingoldsby.1 . . . Mr. Sturgion, one of his Highnesse life guard and pastour of a Church, is in custody for being the auther and publisher of the printed Queries lately published in dishonour of his Highnesse and present Governement.2 The Lord Deputy of Ireland is expected Saturday next at Chester, and within few dayes at Woodstock, where hee stayes some short time before hee come to London. His Highnesse and Councill is drawing upp a declaration shewing their dislike of the late printed petition in the name of the freeholders for constituteing his Highnesse King or Emperer. His Highnesse hath bin in a course of phisick the greatest part of this weeke, and hath bin troubled with severall fitts of the stone, whereby noe personall application hath bin made to him. Yesternight his Highnesse tooke good repose, but his [in]disposition prevented his journey this day to Hampton Court. The last night the Countesse of Holland died, when Sir William Roberts was wounded and his sone slaine by theeves neere Tyburne. This day came in 20 odd saile of our fleete from Jamaica, 13 being left there, and one fired accidentily comeing home. Generall Penn3 died the day before they set saile.

G. M.

London, September 8, 1655.—

f. 120.Though his Highnesse hath received much ease and rest since Munday last, yet the Councill will not yet trouble him with the least of business. The coaches, horses, and other goods belonging to the Lord Deputy of Ireland landed at Chester Monday, his person and retinue are there daily expected, and Wallingford Howse over against Scotland yard in Whitehall is already prepaired to receive his Lordshipe. Generall Pen came upp yesterday from the West Indias fleete, and gave his Highnesse a full account of that expedition, and of the advantage Jamica (if continued in our possession) wilbee to England; wee saved 200 men out of the shipp Paragon that was burnt, and about 80 more destroyed by water and fire. The excessive raines wee have lately had have brought the price of corne above double of what it was three weekes agoe.

G. M.

Sept. 13, 1655.—

f. 130.Generall Blake is now in London, Generall Monck and Sir George Ayscue are said to bee Generalls by sea and land for the West Indies. The Lady Claypoole (though reported to bee dead) is in a hopeful way of recovery . . .

September 15, 1655.—

f.127b.The Anabaptist partie in Ireland are much offended with the Lord Henry Cromwell coming every Lords day to parochiall (?) and publique congregation, and with his chaplaines for preaching against dipping.

London, September 22.—

This weeke came the sad news of the Spaniards seizeing uppon all our shipps in their ports, our merchants’ persons, and all their goods. His Highnesse is well recovered, and hath removed his family from Hampton Court till next Summer. Wednesday night the Spanish merchants came to his Highnes, and gave him an accompt of this seizure, humbly desireing that hee would please to use some meanes for their releife. His Highnesse tould him hee would reinforce Jamica with an additionall army, and that hee was confident thereby to repaire their losses twenty fould;f. 129. this answer hath given greate satisfaction [to] the merchants who had six monthes notice of this designe, whereby they might have withdrawne or secured their estates. The additionall army it is said will consist of 10,000 men. Thersday morning Generall Vennables came from Portsmouth by land, Generall Pen and himselfe with Collonel Buller were all that afternoone under examination at the Councill, and it being found that Collonell Buller came over by order from the Commissioners of the place, and that the other two came over without order, the two Generals, Venables and Pen, were that night sent prisoners to the Tower, where they now remayne. His Highnesse hath bestowed Collonel Ingoldsby[s] late regiment of foote uppon Lieutenant Collonel Mills. All the considerable shipps at Portsmouth that wee can speedily hasten to Generall Blake are fitting out; the Spanish fleete is yet playing to and froo of the southward Cape, waiteing for theire Silver fleete. A proclamation is past to disable all delinquents in the late eruption as well as those in any of the former rebellions to beare office in the Commonwealth, or give voyce to elect or bee elected Members of Parliament. Severall orders are past the Councill to regulate the presse, and to surpresse all weekley printed bookes unlesse such as are allowed by his Highnesse and Councill, which will bee few or none at all. This day the Lord Deputy of Ireland with his big belly Lady came to towne, attended with his Highnesse Councill and many officers of the army.

G. Mabbott.

Sept. 29.—

f. 131b.His Highnesse this weeke answered the petitioners on behalf of Biddle (when they pleaded the Instrument of Government did maintaine Liberty of Conscience), that the Instrument was never intended to maintaine and protect blasphemers from the punishment of the lawes in force against them, neither would hee. His Highnesse likewise left Mr. Cordwell, the minister, to bee concluded by the Tryers of London. . . . Yesterday they1 ordered that Mr. Feake & Mr. Rogers should bee removed from Winser Castle to the Isle of Wight, because of their clamorouse inveyings against his Highnesse and government. His Highnesse lately tould the wife of Lieut. Collonel Lilburne, that by the first shipp that came over from Jersey her husband should bee brought over into England. The Spanish Ambassador (seeing the designe of Jamaica so vigorousely reinforc’t) presses hard for an audience, but it will not bee granted. . .

[1 ]The newsletters for 1655 are all from vol. xxvii. of the Clarke MSS.

[1 ]Carlyle’s Cromwell, speech iv.

[1 ]See Thurloe’s letter to Monck on the imprisonment of Harrison and Courtney, Clarke Papers, ii. 242.

[1 ]Cf. Evelyn’s Diary, April 9, 1655.

[1 ]MS. ‘countrey and kept up the gent.’

[2 ]MS. ‘Branford.’

[1 ]Balcarres (?).

[1 ]Originally Overton’s regiment. Morgan perhaps commanded it between Overton’s arrest in December 1654 and March 1655.

[1 ]See Scotland and the Protectorate, ii. pp. 238, 241, 251, 252.

[1 ]Thurloe, iii. 281, 335.

[2 ]MS. ‘three.’

[1 ]See Thurloe, iii. 364, 377.

[2 ]Thurloe, iii. 377, 378.

[1 ]Thurloe, iii. 365, 371, 372, 375, 378, 380.

[1 ]Thurloe, iii. 394.

[2 ]Thurloe, iii. 368, 398.

[3 ]Thurloe, iii. 306.

[4 ]Lede.

[1 ]To the Protector.

[1 ]See Whitelocke’s Memorials, iv. 191-206, ed. 1853.

[2 ]Porto Farino.

[1 ]Grandison(?).

[1 ]See Carlyle’s Cromwell, letters cxciii. and cxciv.

[1 ]The MS. here inserts ‘being part of Hispaniola.’

[2 ]This is nonsense, as they had been many days on shore.

[1 ]MS. ‘monies.’

[1 ]This petition, which was drawn up by a certain John Norbury, is given at length in the Calendar of Domestic State Papers, 1655, p. 277.

[1 ]Howard had been given the regiment lately Colonel Rich’s, which now passed to Ingoldsby.

[2 ]See Thurloe, iii. 738, and the life of Sturgeon in the Dictionary of National Biography.

[3 ]Evidently a mistake for General Venables, whose death was confidently reported.

[1 ]I.e. the Council of State.