presence of that king, as the principal subjects "there are. That his affection to the protestant religion was unquestionable, and very eminent; "and though his sisters, who had been bred under "their mother, were catholics, yet his brothers, of "whose education he had taken the sole care, were very good protestants. 66 “That his opinions in parliament had been very "avowed, and were to be presumed to be accord-" ing to his conscience, in the profession of which "he was so public, that there was reason to believe "he used no ill arts in private; since he had the courage to do that aloud, which he had reason "to believe would displease many. That it would "be a great prejudice and blemish to their coun"sels and discoveries, if after so long discourse of a malignant party, and evil counsellors, of which they had never yet named any, they should first "brand this lord with that imputation upon such a ground and occasion, as must conclude [include] all those lords who had absolved him, "which was the major part of the lords. In a "word, that it would look as if they had devised "those new words to make men afraid, and kept "them in reserve to apply to all those, with whom they were angry." 66 66 66 دو But notwithstanding all this, and all the reason that could be spoken on that part, and that there could be none on the other, after a debate of very many hours, till after nine of the clock at night, (the latest that ever was in parliament, but that of the remonstrance,) in which it was evident, that they meant, as far as in them lay, to confound all those, whom they could not convert; it was resolved by the majority of voices, not half of the house being present at that unseasonable time of the debate, "that they should accuse the duke of "Richmond to the lords to be one of the malignant "party, and an evil counsellor to his majesty'; and "to desire them to join in a request to the king, "that he might be removed from any office or employment about his person;" which was solemnly commended to the lords accordingly, and by them so far received, that though the desire was rejected, no dislike or disapprobation of the matter or the manner was in the least manner discovered, or insisted on. 66 were not produced, by reason of the prevalence "of that adverse, malignant, bloodsucking, rebel"lious party, by the power of which the privileges "of parliament, and the liberty of the subject was " trampled upon, the rebellion in Ireland increased, "and all succours and relief for that kingdom "obstructed.' They said, "That trade had been long languishing, but was now dead by the fears, 'jealousies, and distractions they lay under, for want of fortification of the cinque ports, which was a great encouragement to the papists to make "insurrection, and did much animate a foreign power to invade us: that by the deadness of "trade they did want employment in such a measure, as did make their lives very uncomfort"able; therefore their request was, that that ex"treme necessity of theirs might be taken into "serious consideration, and that the honourable "house of commons would fall upon the speediest course for abating and quelling the pride, outrage, and insolency of the adverse party at home; "that the land might be secured by fortifying the cinque ports, and putting the people into a pos"ture of defence, that all their fears, or as many as could, might be removed, and that trade might be again set up and opened, that so their "wants might be in some measure supplied. They "further desired that justice might be done upon "offenders, according as the atrocity of their "crimes had deserved; for if those things were " any longer suspended, they should be forced to "extremities not fit to be named, and to make good that saying, that necessity hath no law. They said they had nothing to lose but their "lives, and those they would willingly expose to "the utmost peril, in defence of the house of com" mons, according to their protestation," &c. "The humble petition of thousands of poor All things thus prepared, and so many lords driven and kept from the house, besides the bipeople in and about the city of London, shops, and they that stayed there, by this last in- "Humbly sheweth, that your petitioners have stance, instructed how to carry themselves, at least “lain a long time under great pressures, and how they provoked the good lords to protest, they "grievances both in liberties and consciences, as resolved once more to try whether the house of "hath been largely, and sundry times, shewed and peers would be induced to join in the business of" declared, by several petitions exhibited to this the militia, which they had twice refused; and to that purpose, their old friends of the city in the same numbers flocked to Westminster, but under the new, received, and allowed style of petitioners; but as unlike petitioners to any of those lords or commons, whom they understood to be malignant, "But now we, who are of the meanest rank and as the other tumults had been. From these herds quality, being touched with penury, are very there were two notable petitions delivered to the "sensible of the approaching storms of ruin, which house of commons, the one from the porters, their hang over our heads, and threaten to overwhelm number, as they said, consisting of fifteen thou- us, by reason of the sad distractions occasioned sand; the other under the title of many thousands chiefly and originally, as your petitioners humbly of poor people in and about the city of London. conceive, by the prevalency of the bishops, and The porters, with great eloquence, confessed "the "the popish lords, and others of that malignant "unexpressible pains that honourable house had "faction; who make abortive all good motions, "taken for the good of church and state; which "which tend to the peace and tranquillity of this "deserved to be recorded to their eternal fame," kingdom of England, and have hitherto hindered though the effects of those unwearied endeavours "the sending relief to our brethren in Ireland, al 66 though they lie weltering in blood; which hath" given such head to the adversaries, that we justly "fear the like calamities inevitably to befall us "here, when they have vented their rage and "malice there. continue those endeavours for their relief; and they doubted not, when they had delivered their petition, and what they had said, to the lords, "which they would presently do, the causes of "their evils would be found out, and some speedy "All which occasions so great a decay and stop course resolved upon for their relief; and there"of trade, that your petitioners are utterly impo- "fore desired them with patience to attend a fur"verished, and our miseries are grown insupporta- "ther answer." And accordingly that petition ble, we having already spent all that little means, was solemnly read, and delivered to the lords at a "which we had formerly, by God's blessing, and conference; and the conference no sooner ended, our great labour, obtained; and many of us have than Mr. Hollis, one of those five whom the king "not, nor cannot tell where to get, bread to sus- had accused a month before of high treason, was "tain ourselves and families; and others of us are sent to the lords in a message to desire them, "almost arrived at the same port of calamity; so "that they would join with the house of commons "that unless some speedy remedy be taken for the "in their desire to the king about the militia;" "removal of all such obstructions, which hinder to which he added, "that if that desire of the "the happy progress of your great endeavours, "house of commons was not assented to, he deyour petitioners shall not rest in quietness, but "sired those lords who were willing to concur, "shall be forced to lay hold on the next remedy" would find some means to make themselves "which is at hand, to remove the disturbers of "known, that it might be known who were against "our peace; want and necessity breaking the "them, and they might make it known to those "bounds of modesty: and rather than your peti"that sent them." "tioners will suffer themselves, and their families, "to perish through hunger and necessity, though "hitherto patiently groaned under, they cannot "leave any means unessayed for their relief. 66 66 66 66 "The cry therefore of the poor and needy, your poor petitioners, is, that such persons, who are "the obstacles of our peace, and hinderers of the happy proceedings of this parliament, and the enjoyment of the looked for purity of religion, safety of our lives, and return of our welfares, may be forthwith publicly declared, to the end they may be made manifest; the removal of "whom we humbly conceive will be a remedy to cure our miseries, and put a period to these dis"tractions and that those noble worthies of the "house of peers, who concur with you in your happy votes, may be earnestly desired to join "with this honourable house, and to sit and vote as one entire body; which we hope will remove "from us our destructive fears, and prevent that, "which apprehension will make the wisest and peaceablest men to put in execution. 66 : For the Lord's sake hear us, and let our religion, lives, and welfares be precious in your sight, that the loins of the poor may bless you, " and pray," &c. 66 After this horrible petition delivered, the house, according to its gracious custom, ordered thanks to be given for their great kindness. The which when delivered by the speaker, who told them that the house was in consideration of those things, whereof they complained, some of that rabble, no doubt as they had been taught, replied, "that they never doubted the house of commons, but they "heard all stuck in the lords' house, and they de"sired to know the names of those peers, who "hindered the agreement between the good lords "and the commons:" which they pressed with unheard of rudeness and importunity, and with a seeming unwillingness withdrew, whilst the house took the matter into further consultation. Yet notwithstanding this provocation, and that it was urged by many members, some which had been assaulted and ill intreated by that rabble in their passage to the house, " that the countenanc 66 After which motion and message, the lords again resumed the debate; which the earl of Northumberland begun with a profession, "that whosoever refused, in that particular, to join with the house "of commons, were, in his opinion, enemies to "the commonwealth;" when the major part of that house had twice before refused to concur with them in it. Yet when his lordship was questioned for that unparliamentary language, all the other lords of that faction joined with him; and declared, "that it was their opinions likewise:" the rabble being at the door to execute whatever they were directed: so that many lords, out of a just indignation to see their honours and their liberties sacrificed to the people by themselves; others, out of real fear of being murdered, if they should, in that conjuncture of time, insist on their former resolutions, withdrawing themselves; the major part of those, who stayed, concluded to join with the house of commons in their desire [concerning] the militia. Within two days after this agreement and submission of the lords, another petition was presented to the commons, in the name of the inhabitants of the county of Surrey, by a multitude of people, who were, or pretended to be, of that county, and subscribed by above two thousand hands. Their petition was of the ordinary strain, full of devotion to the house of commons, and offering to execute all their commands; but with it they presented likewise a petition, which they intended to present to the lords, if they approved it, and was subscribed by above two thousand hands; by which it may appear where that petition was drawn, and when, however the hands were procured. The petition to the lords took notice "of their happy concurrence with the house of commons in settling the militia, and forts, in "such hands as the commonwealth might confide in, and the kingdom in such a posture as might "be for its defence and safeguard: yet they complained of the miserable condition of Ireland, "which, they said, by the delay it had found amongst their lordships, notwithstanding the pressing endeavours of the house of commons, 'together with many of their lordships, had been "Wherefore they did humbly pray, and beseech "their lordships, that they would go on in a con"stant union with the house of commons, in providing for the kingdom's safety; that all evil "counsellors might be found out, Ireland relieved; "that the votes of the popish lords and bishops might be speedily removed; that so the peace of "the kingdom might be established, the privileges "of parliament vindicated, and the purity of reli"gion settled and preserved. And, they said, they "should be in duty obliged to defend, and main"tain with their lives and estates, their lordships, so far as they should be united with the honour"able house of commons, in all their just and pious proceedings." 66 Which petition was read in the house of commons, and approved, and the petitioners thanked for their kind expressions therein; and then it was delivered by them at the bar of the house of peers; who, within a day or two, passed both the bill for taking away the bishops' votes, and [that concerning] pressing, which had lain so long desperate, whilst the lords came, and sat with freedom in the house. And these marvellous things done, they again adjourn both houses into London, to lay the scene for future action. 66 Upon the second of February, some members, appointed by both houses, attended his majesty at Windsor with their petition, "that he would "forthwith put the Tower of London, and all "other forts, and the whole militia of the king"dom, into the hands of such persons, as should "be recommended unto his majesty by both "houses of parliament; which, they assured them"selves, would be a hopeful entrance into those courses, which, through God's blessing, should "be effectual for the removing all diffidence, and misapprehension betwixt his majesty and his people; and for establishing and enlarging the honour, greatness, and power of his majesty, "and royal posterity; and for the restoring and confirming the peace and happiness of his loyal subjects in all his dominions. And to that their "most necessary petition, they said, they did, in "all humility, expect his speedy and gracious answer, the great distractions, and distempers of "the kingdom, not admitting any delay." 66 66 66 66 66 At the same time they likewise presented another petition to him, concerning the accused members; in which they besought him "to give "directions, that his parliament might be in"formed, before Friday next, (which was within "two days,) what proof there was against them, "that accordingly they might be called to a legal "trial; it being the undoubted right and privilege "of parliament, that no member of parliament "could be proceeded against, without the consent "of parliament." His majesty now found that these persons could not be compounded with, and that their purpose was, by degrees, to get so much power into their hands, that they need not care for what was left in his; and that the lords were in no degree to be relied on to maintain their own privileges, much less to defend his rights; and that they had the power to impose generally upon the people's un derstandings, contrary to their own senses, and to persuade them, "that they were in danger to "be invaded by foreign enemies," when the king was not only in peace with all Christian princes, but almost all other nations so embroiled in war, that they all desired the friendship and assistance of England; none was in case or condition to disturb it: " and that there was a decay and deadness of trade, and want and poverty growing " upon the whole kingdom," when no man living had ever remembered the like plenty over the whole land, and trade was at that height, that the like had never been known. 66 He resolved therefore to remove himself to a greater distance from London, where the fears and jealousies grew; and constantly to deny to pass any act, that should be recommended to him from the two houses, except what might concern Ireland, till he might have a full prospect of all they intended to demand, and an equal assurance how far they intended to gratify him for all his condescensions; which resolution was very parliamentary, it having been rarely known, till this present parliament, that the king consented to any acts, till the determination of the session. The truth is, when his majesty found the extreme ill success of the accusation against the members, and that the tumults, and the petitioners, were no other than an army at the disposal of those, in whom he had no reason to put his confidence, and that all such, who expressed any eminent zeal to his service, would be taken from him under the style of delinquents and malignants, he resolved that the queen, who was very full of fears, should go to Portsmouth, colonel Goring, who was governor thereof, having found means to make good impressions again in their majesties of his fidelity; and that himself would go to Hull, where his magazine of cannon, arms, and munition was; and that being secured in those strong places, whither they who wished him well might resort, and be protected, he would sit still, till they who were over-active would come to reason. But this, though resolved with so much secrecy, that it was not communicated to three persons, (as I have been since assured by those who knew,) whether by the treachery of one of those few, or by the curiosity of others, (which I rather believe,) who found means to overhear all private discourses, (as both bedchambers were inhabited, and every corner possessed, by diligent spies upon their master and mistress,) was imparted to those, who procured those orders before mentioned for Hull and Portsmouth; by reason whereof, and the advice, and promise of many lords, "that they would " firmly unite themselves for the just support of "the regal power," with the extreme apprehension the queen had of danger, that counsel was laid aside. That which wrought so much upon the queen's fears, besides the general observation how the king was betrayed, and how his rights and power were every day wrested from him, was an advertisement, that she had received, of a design in the prevalent party, to have accused her majesty of high treason; of which, without doubt, there had been some discourse in their most private cabals, and, I am persuaded, was imparted to her upon design, and by connivance, (for there were some incorporated into that faction, who exactly knew her nature, passions, and infirmities,) that the disdain of it might transport her to somewhat, 66 66 66 which might give them advantage. And shortly after that discovery to her majesty, those persons before mentioned were accused of high treason; yet afterwards, when they had received the full fruits, they found means to complain, as a great argument of the malignity of those persons of nearness to both their majesties, that an infusion "had been made to the queen, that there was a purpose of accusing her of high treason," and solemnly by message "besought her to discover, "who had done that malicious office;" when they very well knew who it was, and for whose sake the queen was brought to return answer, "that she had heard such a discourse, but took no notice "of it, as never believing it:" whereas, if they could have been compelled to have discovered, how they knew that the queen had been informed, all the secret would have appeared; the same person first telling her what was in projection against her, and then returning intelligence of any expressions and distemper, he might easily observe upon the apprehension which the other begat. degree to consent to it, yet he was willing, till all things could be ready for the queen's journey, and so for his own remove, [rather] to delay it, than deny it; lest the same army of petitioners might come to Windsor to persuade him; which had converted, or prevailed over the house of peers. And he was persuaded by some, who thought they knew the temper of both houses, that though they were now united in the matter, they might easily be divided upon the circumstances; and that they would not be of one mind in the election of the persons to be confided in. So to that petition his majesty returned this answer : 66 "That he was willing to apply a remedy not only "to their dangers, but to their doubts and fears; " and therefore, that when he should know the extent of power, which was intended to be esta"blished in those persons, whom they desired to be "commanders of the militia in the several counties, "and likewise to what time it should be limited, "that no power should be executed [by] his majesty "alone without the advice of parliament, then he "would declare, that he would be content to put "in all the forts, and over the militia, such persons as both houses of parliament should either approve, or recommend to him; so that they "before declared the names of the persons, whom they would approve or recommend, and so that no persons should be named by them, against "whom his majesty should have just and unques"tionable exception." 66 Which answer, though it was not a consent, gave them notable encouragement, and exceedingly united the vulgar minds to them; who concurred only with them, as they saw them like to prevail in what they went about. And there was no danger of any disunion in the nomination of persons; because, though they should at first admit such into the number, whom they could not sufficiently trust, nor plausibly except against, yet when they were once possessed of the power of nomination, they might easily weed out those, which were not agreeable to the soil they were planted in. However this would take up some time; and therefore to keep the king's inclination to gratify them (for so they would understand it) warm, the same day they received this answer, they returned a message of thanks; and desired his majesty, "whilst they But both king and queen were then upon that disadvantage, that all their words and actions, which were the pure results of their own reasons and judgments upon what they saw every day occurred, were called the effects of evil counsels, that so they might take the liberty to reproach" them with the more license; whilst what they received by the most secret perjury of bedchamber spies, or what they forged themselves, was urged as the resultants of common fame, or the effects of their fears and jealousies, to the rancour of which the most precious balm of the crown must be applied. And therefore it was concluded, "that "the queen should take the opportunity of her daughter the princess Mary's journey into Holland," (who had been before married to the young prince of Orange, and was now solemnly desired by the States' ambassadors to come into that country,) to transport herself into Holland, patiently to expect an amendment of the affairs "of England; and that the king should retire "into the north, and reside at York, and deny all particulars, till the whole alteration should be "framed." But the first resolution concerning the queen was only published; the other, concerning the king, communicated to very few; both their majesties being reduced to so great wants, that the queen was compelled to coin, or sell, her chamber plate, for the supply of her most necessary occasions, there being no money in the exchequer, or in the power of the ministers of the revenue; and the officers of the customs, out of which the allowance for the weekly support of their majesties' household had been made, being enjoined by the house of commons, not to issue out any money, without their particular consent and approbation. 66 66 It was evident now that the accused members were too mighty for the king, or the law, and that they would admit no other judges of their guilt, than themselves, nor rules of proceeding, than the plurality of their own voices: and therefore the king resolved to give over any more thought of that business. And so to that petition he answered, "that as he once conceived that he had ground enough to accuse them, so now he found as good cause wholly to desert any prosecution of them." The other petition concerning the militia gave him more trouble; for though he was resolved in no 66 66 were preparing all other particulars according to "his command, that he would confer the custody "of the Tower upon sir John Coniers," whom his majesty had lately recommended to them, as a person of great merit. With which being surprised, and desired likewise by sir John Byron to free him from the agony and vexation of that place, which had exposed his person and reputation to the rage and fury of the people, and compelled him to submit to such reproaches, as a generous spirit could not brook without much regret; for he had upon frivolous surmises been sent for as a delinquent, and been brought upon his knees at the bar of both houses; his majesty consented to that alteration, and made sir John Coniers lieutenant of the Tower. Which was such an instance of his yielding upon importunity, that from that time they thought themselves even possessed of the whole militia of the kingdom, Whilst all diligence was used in making preparation for the queen's journey, to divert their councils from other inquisitions, the king (who had received so many sharp expostulations for breach of privi 66 But when that speech was printed by order of the house, the king thought he had an opportunity to require a vindication; and therefore, in a letter to the speaker, he sent this message: "That he "had taken notice of a speech, pretended by the "title to have been delivered by Mr. Pym in a "conference, and printed by order of the house of commons; in which it was affirmed, that since "the stop upon the ports against all Irish papists by both houses, many of the chief commanders, now in the head of the rebels, have been suffered to pass by his majesty's immediate warrant: and "being certain of having used extreme caution in "the granting of passports into Ireland, he con"ceived, either that paper not to have been so "delivered, and printed, as is pretended; or that "house to have received some misinformation. "And therefore his majesty desired to know, "whether that speech had been so delivered and printed; and if it had, that the house would re"view, upon what information that particular had "been grounded, that either it might be found upon reexamination false, and so both the house, "and his majesty, to have been injured by it; or "that his majesty might know, by what means, "and by whose fault, his authority had been so 66 leges, and other attempts upon their reputations) | lest he should be again reproached with breach of resolved, upon the publication of a bold scandal privilege. upon himself by one of their principal members, to expostulate with them, and try what satisfaction and reparation they were prepared to give to him, who exacted so much from him. All opportunities had been taken in public, and all license given to private and clandestine forgeries, to lay odious or envious imputation on the king and queen, in the business of Ireland; and to impute the progress and success of that rebellion to a connivance, if not a countenance, from the court: the not levying men, and not sending provisions, imputed to his majesty; though he had, as is before observed," offered to levy ten thousand volunteers for that service, and had consented cheerfully to every proposition, that had been made with the least reference to the assistance of that kingdom. Indeed he was so alarumed with those perpetual odious impositions, which he perceived wrought very pernicious effects in the minds of the people, that he was compelled to consent to many things contrary to his judgment and kingly policy, to prevent greater inconveniences by those scandals, which he saw were prepared for him. So when several propositions were recommended to him by the two houses concerning those supplies, which were to be sent out of Scotland, amongst the rest, there was one, "that the Scots should have the command and highly abused, as to be made to conduce to the keeping of the town and castle of Carrickfergus; "assistance of that rebellion, which he so much "and if any regiments, or troops, in that province "detested and abhorred; and that he might see "should join with them, that they should receive "himself fully vindicated from all reflections of the "orders, from the commander of the Scottish" least suspicion of that kind." "forces." The king consented to all the rest, though there were matters unreasonable enough in favour of that nation; but, "that," he said, "he "could not approve of;" and wished "the houses" "to take that proposition again into consideration, " as a business of very great importance, which he "doubted might prove prejudicial to the crown of England, and the service intended." And he said, "if the houses desired it, he would be willing to "speak with the Scottish commissioners, to see "what satisfaction he could give them therein." This answer was no sooner read, but both houses voted, that whosoever gave the king advice, or "counsel, to send that answer, was an enemy to "the king and kingdom," and a committee appointed to find out who those evil counsellors were. So that, the Scottish commissioners pressing him, "that, being their native king, he would not pub"lish a less trust and confidence in them, than "their neighbour nation had done," his majesty" thought fit to consent to the whole, as the two houses had advised. 66 It was some time before they would vouchsafe any answer to the king upon this message; but at last they returned, "that the speech, mentioned in that message, was printed by their order, and "what was therein delivered was agreeable to the sense of the house: that they had received divers "advertisements concerning the several persons, "Irish papists, and others, who had obtained his 66 majesty's immediate warrant for their passing "into Ireland, since the order of restraint of both "houses; some of which, as they had been in"formed, since their coming into Ireland, had 'joined with the rebels, and been commanders amongst them; and some others had been stayed, "and were yet in safe custody." Then they named some, to whom licenses had been granted before the order of restraint, and were still in England; and said, "there were others, "whose names they had not yet received, but doubted not, upon examination, they would be "discovered.” To this the king replied, and told them, " that as he had expressed a great desire to give them "all possible satisfaction to all their just requests, "and a readiness to rectify, or retract, any thing "done by himself, which might seem to trench Then, in the carrying on the war, they allowed" his majesty so little power, that when he recommended some officers of prime quality, reputation, and experience in the war, to the lord lieutenant to be employed in that service, the house of commons by express order, and after they knew that his majesty had recommended them, rejected them, because they were taken notice to have attended upon the king at Whitehall, as a guard to his person. And, after all this, they took all occasions to asperse him with any omissions that were in that great work; as Mr. Pym had more particularly done, in that speech before taken notice of, at the conference with the lords, upon the delivery of those seditious petitions; of which the king could not take notice, 66 upon their privileges by any mistake of his; so "he hoped, they would be ready, upon all occa"sions, to manifest an equal tenderness and regard "of his honour, and reputation with his subjects: "and therefore he expected they should review his message concerning Mr. Pym's speech, and their answer, with which he could not rest satisfied. "He said, he was most assured that no person, "who had command in the head of the rebels, had "passed by his warrant, or privity. And then, he "desired them to consider, whether such a general Ꮓ 66 |