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London Post, No. 3. Communicating the high councils of both
Parliaments in England and Scotland, and all other remarkable
passages both civil and martial. From Thursday, Jany. 21 to
Jany. 28. Printed for H. B. There are many things in this
despatch truly remarkable, viz.:—The King's resolution totally to
refer himself to the Commissioners of both kingdoms. The exact
copy of Genl. Leven's proclamation for the civil deportment of the
Scots' army at their departure [from Newcastle on Saturday or
Monday next]. The declaration and desire of the Parliament of
Scotland concerning the King's coming to Holdenby, to be without
any prejudice to his person and posterity in their lawful possession
of the Crown and to monarchical government. The Scots' ordnance
and ammunition shipped for Edinburgh. The Lord Leviston
[Livingstone] and Lord Sinclair banished the Court. An Anabaptist woman in Kent cut off the head of her own child because
she would not have him baptised. The last news from Ireland. |
The Kingdom's Weekly Intelligencer, sent abroad to prevent
misinformation. Published weekly; 3 Nos. for 1647, viz., No. 215
from 22 to 29 June, No. 230 from 12 to 19 Oct., and No. 232 from
26 Oct. to 2 November. Imprimatur G. M. Printed for H. B.
No. 215 contains:—An analysis of the remonstrance from Sir
Thos. Fairfax and his army concerning the present state of affairs
in relation to themselves and the kingdom, with their desires and
present resolutions thereupon. Presented to the Commissioners at
St. Alban's, and to be by them humbly represented to the Parliament. Dated at St. Alban's, 23 June 1647. The advance of
the army more near unto the City, and the motives and occasions
which induced them to it. "And to incite them unto this they
allege what dishonour hath been brought upon the Parliament in
having a declaration against the army so passed as they should
seem afterwards to find cause to have it expunged, which may
engage them in point of honour to discover how and by whom
they have been abused and brought into so great an inconvenience.
And whereas the Parliament had declared that all who shall desert
the army shall have present satisfaction in their arrears, the officers
for three months, the soldiers for all their arrears, free quarters
only deducted, the army looks upon it as a clear evidence of the
continuing malice of theirs and the kingdom's enemies; and therefore they insist that the said order or declaration be forthwith
recalled. They also importune the Parliament as they tender the
peace and safety of the kingdom, that they reassume the consideration of the voting his Majesty's person to Richmond, the
army being then commanded to withdraw 40 miles from London,
which they cannot but impute to the prevailing interest of the
enemies of theirs and the kingdom's peace, for they all allege that
it directly tends to the pursuance of their former private design
upon the King e're he came from Holmby, thereby to put his
Majesty in the reach of the power of those men who have listed
about London considerable numbers of horse and foot, and are
daily engaging more in many parts of the kingdom for a new and
bloody war. And whereas scandalous informations have been
presented to the Houses and industriously published in print, as
if his Majesty were kept a prisoner in the army, and barbarously
and uncivilly used, they declare it to be most false and absolutely
contrary to their principles, which are for a 'general right' and
'a just freedom' for all men, which they desire for the King and
his party so far as can consist with 'common right and safety.'
For they profess that they cannot find how the kingdom can have
a lasting peace without a due provision for the rights, quiet, and
immunity of his Majesty's royal family and his late partakers,
wherein they believe that a spirit of common love and justice
diffusing itself to the good and preservation of all will make up
such a glorious conquest over their hearts, if God in mercy see it
good, as to restore them and the whole people of this land into a
lasting friendship. They desire that they may have their pay
presently paid up, equally with those who have deserted the army,
for the justice, reasonableness, and necessity whereof they do appeal
to all men. They conclude, therefore, besides their former Ordinances, that since the forces designed for Ireland are lately
ordered to rendezvous about Worcester, there to lay the foundation
of a new army; that since emissaries are sent abroad into France
and Scotland and into other countries to draw in foreign forces
into the kingdom; since there are spies and agents in all the
quarters of the army to invite the soldiers to desert their officers
and come to London; since the public purse is at their disposal;
and those that have deserted the army are not discharged but continue in great bodies in or near unto the City; since they have
sent agents to the King to engage his Majesty to declare for them;
since there are multitudes of Reformadoes and soldiers in the City,
who by their tumultuous confluences at Westminster do awe and
discourage those members who hitherto have served with most
faithfulness and diligence from doing their duties to the kingdom:
the army is now clearly satisfied and resolved to admit of no
longer delays, but with vigour and speed to endeavour in some
extraordinary way to vindicate the Parliament from tumultuous
violence, and to break those designs that threaten to imbue the
kingdom in more blood, and enslave it under faction and tyranny.
On which grounds they shall be enforced to take such courses as
God shall direct them to put things to a speedy issue, unless by
Thursday at night next they shall receive assurances to have these
eight following particulars granted to them. [The full text of this
remonstrance from Sir Thos. Fairfax and the army will be found
in Rushworth's Collects., ed. 1701, Part iv., Vol. i., pp. 585–591.] |
Much about this time letters were received from Major-Genls.
Poyntz and Langhorne; the former complaining of some new
tumults ready to break forth amongst his soldiers, and desiring
money to satisfy them and a larger commission to restrain them;
the other acquainting the Parliament with an insurrection in
Glamorganshire, where about 1,000 persons had run themselves
into a head and declared themselves for the King and Sir Thos.
Fairfax, being countenanced by Sir Edw. Thomas, Sir Henry
Stradling, Sir Richd. Basset, and Sir Thos. Notte; General Langhorne certified the House that he was advancing to disperse them
with a body of about 600 horse, and desired that for that purpose
some ammunition might be despatched to him. The House withal
encouraged him to proceed in suppressing of such as shall rise to
disturb the public [peace]. The King's letter well approving "that
his Parliament have sent their votes to him concerning his remove
to Richmond," received June 24. A letter from the Parliament
was sent to the King to entreat he would vouchsafe by reason of
some late unexpected accidents to stay at Royston, to which place
he did remove, or to return to Newmarket from whence he did
remove. The despatch was made with so much speed and diligence
that on the next day (June 25) the messenger returned with a
letter from his Majesty, in which he certified both Houses that,
according to their order, he would continue at Royston for that
night, and certify them of his removal at his first departure
from it. |
On Saturday, June 26th, his Majesty removed from Royston to
the Earl of Salisbury's house at Hatfield. It is a wonder to consider with what joy as he passed through the country the people
did receive the news of his approach. They filled the air with his
name, and their hearts with his love. They strewed the ways with
boughs, and they strewed the boughs with roses, and of every
company that passed by they demanded which was the King?
where was the King? being impatient to see him with their eyes,
whom they had so long beheld in their hearts. |
Letters were read from his Excellency Sir Thos. Fairfax to the
Parliament, giving an account of the army's more near advance to
London, and that they have no interest either to awe the Parliament or bring a terror upon the City, but the desire was renewed
that the eleven members may be suspended, and that they will
then bring in a more particular charge with proofs against them.
But the said eleven members did this day [June 26] move the
House of their own accord that they may have liberty to absent
themselves from the House, and after a long debate it was condescended to, and accordingly they did all leave the House,
so careful they are to prefer the public above their private
interests. |
A Council of War sat at Uxbridge, and understanding that some
regiments had enlarged their quarters nearer London, there were
orders immediately sent out to stop the regiments, and to reduce
them to quarter in a line about 16 miles distance from London.
And at his Council of War both General and officers have concluded that there shall be no further advance of the army or
any quarters of it more near to the City, before notice be given to
the Parliament of it. On Monday, June 28, the Committee for
Examining of Elections did bring in their report. I told you in
my last day's passages that the Parliament had sent a letter to
their Commissioners in the army. Sir Thos. Widdrington, Mr.
Povey, and Lord Wharton went with it, with so large instructions
and so great a power that it is believed that a reconcilement in all
things and an union will be had betwixt the King, Parliament,
City, and the army. Dr. Henry Hammond and Dr. Sheldon are
now both with his Majesty, they preached before him yesterday,
June 27. |
Whilst I am writing this intelligence comes sweating in that
the army, or a great part of it, are now on Hounslow Heath, and
drawing near to London in an offensive march. It is neither
order from the Parliament nor Ordinance that can stop them. The
King himself is not far behind. Then follows a list of the more
remarkable occurrences this week. |
Number 230 of the Kingdom's Weekly Intelligencer contains
the news from October 12 to October 19. The King continues at
Hampton Court, and has written to ask that as his children are
coming back to London, and winter coming on, they may be
allowed to stay with him for one night when they come to tender
their duties to him, and make their return on the next day. By
letters from France it is certified that Henrietta Maria continues
at St. Germain with the Prince of Wales. The papers speak
nothing of the mediation made by the Prince of Wales betwixt
Prince Rupert and George Lord Digby, if any such thing was, it
was certainly carried with more state and compliment than what
was rudely extant on it on Friday last. On October 12 the
Commons in Grand Committee voted that a remainder of the
Bishops' lands and the lands of Deans and Chapters should be
security for the arrears due to the army. Diverse members of the
Commons this day made their appearance and paid 20l. a man for
absence, but some giving satisfaction for their absence had their
money returned again. In the House of Peers the propositions to
be sent to the King were debated. The Lords this day received a
letter from Col. Jones, Governor of Dublin, concerning the advance
of the army, and their resolution to encounter with the enemy, if
by any means they could provoke him to fight, for the performance
of which Col. Monk is marched up to Col. Jones with 1,500 foot
and 600 horse, so that our army now in the field and daring the
enemy consists of 6,000 foot complete and 2,000 horse, while the
army of O'Neil exceedeth not 7,000. |
An Ordinance passed both Houses for bringing in the arrears of
assessments for Sir Thos. Fairfax's army, ordaining that if any
refuse to pay or defer payment until distrained upon they shall
forfeit and pay double the proportion originally assessed, with
charges incident thereto. An amusing anecdote is told in this
number of a yeoman not far from Warwick, "who for want of
discretion or other discourse would sell his wife to his companion.
The latter asked what he would take for her, the yeoman
answered 5l.; the other looking on her, for she was present, and
conceiving with himself that a good wife is worth gold, he thought
that she was worth 50l. or worse than nothing, whereupon he
presently laid down the money, and took his purchase in his
arms and kissed her. Not a quarter of an hour after the yeoman
repented of his bargain, and offered to restore the money, and
desired to have his wife returned. His companion left it to her
choice, not without some intimation that he was loath to leave her.
The good woman assured him that she was well content to live
with him, and had rather go with the buyer than the seller, and
accordingly, expressing a courteous farewell to her husband, she
went along with his companion. The poor yeoman, who, on better
consideration, had rather lose his life than lose his wife, hath
since made his complaint to all the justices in that county, and
because he cannot get her by love he is resolved to try if he can
get her by law, and with extreme impatience attends the approach
of the term, intending at the very first sitting to have his cause
heard in Westminster Hall before the Judges of the Common
Pleas." |
This day [October 13] the Commons proceeded in the business of
the Church, and ordered that the Presbyterian government shall be
established in England and Wales until the dissolution of the next
Parliament. It was also ordered that provision shall be made for
tender consciences, which is only to extend to such as shall make
no disturbance against the laws and government of the kingdom,
and such persons as cannot conform shall have liberty to meet for
the exercise of their gifts in convenient places, provided that this
indulgence shall not extend to the toleration of superstition, nor to
exempt Recusants from any penalties imposed on them by law,
and that it shall not extend to tolerate any practice contrary to
the principles of the Christian religion contained in the Apostles'
Creed, as it is illustrated in the first fifteen Articles of the Church
of England, the eighth only excepted, which makes mention of
Creeds made after the Apostles' time It is also ordered that this
indulgence shall not extend to excuse any from the penalties of the
statute for not coming to hear the word of God on His own day
preached in his parish church or chapel unless he can produce a
sufficient cause of his absence, and that he was present to hear the
Word preached or expounded in some other place. It was also
ordered that the tithes and other maintenance of all parish churches
and chapels shall be paid to such ministers who shall conform
themselves to the government of the Church. It being informed
that divers of the clergy in the University of Oxford did read the
Book of Common Prayer in the chapels of the colleges, it was ordered
that it should be referred to a Committee to consider of it, and to
make report thereof unto the House. |
There being some dispute heretofore whether ensuing Parliaments should continue for two or for three years, the House of
Peers had this day [October 14] a further debate thereon, and they
determined that the Parliament should be triennial, and that this
present Parliament should end within a twelvemonth after that his
Majesty had passed the Bill. The King's letter to Sir Thos.
Fairfax, General, concerning the removal of his children under the
charge of the Earl of Northumberland to St. James's, London, this
will be found under date October 10. The Commons sent a message
to the Lords [Oct. 15] to desire their Lordships to appoint a
certain day for the trial of the seven Lords impeached, and to
receive the particulars of high treason against them, whereupon the
Lords voted this day fortnight to be the day for the trial of them,
and a full House to be summoned for that purpose. |
At the general Council of the Army at Putney, it was resolved
by them that every trooper should abate 12d. a day for free quarter
and every foot soldier 4d. Secondly, that money may be speedily
prepared for the disbanding of such as are not to be of that
standing body of horse and foot, that so the forces being contracted
the kingdom may be the better encouraged and enabled to make
good their pay. |
Number 232 of the Kingdom's Weekly Intelligencer contains
the news from October 26 to November 2. including many advertisements from foreign countries. It was this day [Oct. 26] ordered
by the Commons that a Committee of Lords and Commons should
complete the Propositions to be sent to the King into form and
method, and that within ten days they should be made ready to be
presented to his Majesty; and that the Scots' Commissioners, who
are also to go along with them, should be acquainted with it.
After this there was a conference with the Lords, when some
amendments were made to the Propositions concerning Delinquents,
and to the Proposition concerning the Church, wherein it is ordered,
that those who shall conform to the Presbyterian government shall
have and absolutely enjoy their tithes, and shall not be controlled
therein by the major part of the parish. There was also an addition made to the Propositions, as that the Court of Wards should
be taken away, and that his Majesty should have 50,000l. a year
in the place thereof. That such gentlemen should be restored to
their places as had adhered to the Parliament. That the lands of
Deans and Chapters should be so disposed of as should be agreed
on by both Houses, and that the soldiers should have their arrears
paid them. The Lords ordered to take these four additional Propositions into their consideration the Thursday following. His
Excellency Sir Thos. Fairfax and the General Council of the army
have presented their desires to the Parliament concerning the
security of Deans' and Chapters' lands for their security; they
desire that the lands may be put into the hands of certain trustees
who may have power to sell them out of hand; and that there
may be a present prohibition for the renewing of leases, for cutting
down of woods, or making any wastes upon the said lands. They
declare that they do not desire that Papists in arms, as under the
mere notion of Papists, should be made less capable of composition
than others, or have their estates exposed to sale, but that in place
of those that they may have forest lands for their security, wherein
they do desire that the poor who live upon them may be no ways
damnified. |
There was a long and great debate at Putney in the General
Council of the Army concerning the papers of the agitators of the
five regiments, and some other emergent particulars which for the
present are not thought fit to be communicated. |
A letter from his Excellency was read in the Commons [Nov. 1]
certifying of the removing of the head-quarters to Windsor, and of
some expedients concerning the speedy and full satisfaction of the
soldiers' arrears, which would much conduce to the quiet of the
kingdom, desiring also that their security may be out of the forest
lands, wherein a tender care is required for the poor who heretofore
lived on the common thereof. The House of Commons had a debate
thereon, and great care is taken to give his Excellency and the army
satisfaction therein. |
His Majesty is not yet removed from Hampton Court. There is
an order for secrecy observed in the army and Council of War, that
nothing done or concluded amongst them shall be communicated.
There was a report that some of those persons in custody who had
made a force upon the Houses of Parliament should be this day
[Nov. 1] brought to their trial at the King's Bench bar, but the
Judges sat not by reason of the solemnity of the day, which is
worthily observed in the commemoration of All Saints. From
Scotland it is certified that Major-Genl. Middleton is still in pursuit
of the Marquis of Huntley. In the more southern parts they are
very quiet. The [Scottish] soldiery, contented with the small proportion allotted to them, do add unto it by their daily labour,
choosing rather to earn their bread by the sweat of their brows
than to oppress their country and nourish factions by sloth. |
From Ireland it is certified that Col. Jones hath possessed himself
of more castles of the enemy, who will not keep far from him,
though they dare not approach too near him. [Newspaper Collection I.] |
Perfect Occurrences or Every Day Journal in Parliament and
other Moderate Intelligence. Five numbers for 1647, viz., No. 26,
from 25 June to 2 July; No. 32, from 6 to 13 Aug.; No. 38, from
17 to 24 Sept.; No. 39, from 24 Sept. to 1 Oct.; and No. 42, from
15 to 22 Oct. Printed for J. and A. Coe, and are to be sold at
Cripplegate and in the Old Bailey. |
No. 26 contains under date 25 June,—This day two messages were
sent from the Lords to the Commons, one in behalf of Major [Thos.]
Cromwell and the other of another gentleman, recommending both
their petitions. The Lords argued the opinions of the Judges in
Mr. Limbrick's case, and resolved to go on in the further proceedings therein. |
There was a very high debate on the demand of the army for
the suspension of the 11 members, but that the House voted the
General [a] traitor or to take his commission from him is false;
the House well knowing, as an honest gentleman said, that the
sword is in the hands of honest men, and should it be put into
others' might prove our ruin; nor do the House[s] approve of adjourning the Parliament to another place. The House made one
vote in the morning, viz., that by the laws of the land no judgment
can be given to suspend the 11 members, or any of them, from
sitting in the House upon the papers presented from the army,
before particulars produced and proofs made. |
An additional Ordinance concerning "play-days" for youth who
are servants [or] scholars was this day [June 26] brought in and
committed. The "she servants" need no Ordinance for play-days,
[as] most of them contract a piece out of every day. |
This day [June 28] letters were read [in Parliament] from the
Commissioners with the King [see June 27] signifying his march
to Hatfield, his Majesty being not willing to stay at Royston or to
return to Newmarket. Both Houses agreed upon letters and
votes to be sent to Lord E. Montagu and the rest of the Commissioners with the King, and to his Excellency Sir Thos. Fairfax.
1. That the Commissioners do cause the Duke of Richmond,
Dr. Sheldon, and Dr. Hammond, and all other persons in their condition, according to their former instructions, which are now again
more positive from the Houses, to be put away from his Majesty,
and to take care that no persons prohibited by their instructions
be admitted to come to the King, and to command the guards
attending to do their duties in assisting them therein. 2. That
his Excellency Sir Thos. Fairfax give order to command those
guards by him appointed to be obedient to the commands of
the Commissioners therein. The letters are subscribed, "Your
affectionate friends," and dated Westminster, 28 June 1647. This
day papers came from the army of what they desire for the safety
of the kingdom before they draw further back from London.
The Articles of the army's desires, together with the manifesto
concerning the impeached members, then follows [see June 28].
In answer to the seven Propositions in the [army's] manifesto the
Lords and Commons in Parliament do declare that no officer or
soldier of the army, from and after the publication of this order in
the army, shall leave the army without the particular license and
discharge of the general. In answer to the second Proposition they
do declare that they do own this army as their army, and will
make provision for its maintenance, and will take order that, so
soon as money can be conveniently raised, the forces shall be paid
up equally with those that have left the army. |
Letters from Dublin of 23 June state that Articles are agreed on
between the Commissioners and the Marquis of Ormond. The
Commissioners govern; the old guard are put into the castle [at
Dublin], 3 companies. Ormond continues in the castle with the
sword till he goes to sea, perhaps 5 weeks hence. The Irish have
made proclamation that all from 15 to 60 shall be in readiness to
fight for their religion. The Parliament's letter to the King, enclosing the votes for his removal to Holdenby. |
June 30. Letters from the Commissioners with the army were
read in both Houses, dated at Wickham, 29 June, at night. [These
state] that the General received the votes [passed by the Houses],
and communicated them to the Council of War, who declare a good
acceptance, desire a happy concurrence, and submit to the commands of the Houses, desiring a happy peace, and resolved that
night to march back to Wickham, 12 miles further from London,
accordingly. All things being thus in a good way of composure. |
Number 32 of the Perfect Occurrences contains the events
between the 6th and 13th August 1647. Aug. 6. Both Houses this
day ordered,—1. Thursday next to celebrate a Thanksgiving at
Peter's, Westminster, for the safe return. 2. The General to receive
thanks, which were given him in both Houses. 3. To desire him
to appoint a guard for the Houses. 4. To allow the soldiers and
non-commissioned officers a month's pay gratuity. 5. A Committee of 10 Lords and 20 Commoners to examine the business
agitated to promote the late intended war and driving away the
members. 6. The General to be Constable of the Tower for one
year, except they otherwise determine, and he to choose a Lieutenant. The Lords further ordered,—1. All done in the Houses
since they were forced, July 26, to be null. 2. That they do
approve of the General's declaration concerning his coming to
London. 3. That all Reformadoes go out of the line [of communication] by the 10th inst., not to return within 6 weeks. And
4th. That a Declaration in vindication of the army (which was
brought in and passed) be read at the head of every regiment.
(The concurrence of the Commons to be desired to these.) The
Commons ordered that it be left to the General to consider what
guard his Excellency thinks fit to appoint for the Houses sitting
in safety, and that the Lords' message for [an]nulling the former
weeks' passages be taken into consideration on Monday following.
Several instructions and power was ordered by both Houses for
the Committee of Lords and Commons, who are to examine the
late mutinies and endeavours to promote a new war. As for the
King, his Majesty, by a message to Sir Thos. Fairfax, hath declared
against such violence against the Parliament and the army. The
Assembly of Divines have expressed their affections to peace, as by
their petition here given will appear. Aug. 7. Sir Thos. Fairfax
marched through the City with his army, artillery, ammunition,
and carriages. The van with the General over the bridge into
Kent and Surrey, the rear with the Lieutenant-General [Cromwell]
into Essex. The General's head-quarters [being fixed] at Croydon.
News from Scotland and Ireland. The weekly bill of mortality for
the city of Chester, where the inhabitants are in a most lamentable
condition by reason of the plague, which increaseth. Aug. 9. A
message from the Lords was delivered to the Commons, communicating their votes for the annulling and making void the forced
votes. The House [of Commons] was adjourned into a Grand
Committee to debate the authority of such votes and at last concluded to put the question. And the House resolved that the said
votes, though forced, are not to be annulled or made void, but by
a repeal; this vote was carried by two voices, which were like to
have been mistaken, but apologetical reasons were given to the
House therein. |
This day [Aug. 9] the Militia of the City sat early, and afterwards the Common Council, who chose a Committee of Aldermen
and Commons to congratulate the General, who this day took
possession of the Tower, whither he marched with his life-guard
of horse and three companies of Col. Pride's regiment, the latter
to form a guard for the Tower, of which Col. Titchborne was constituted Lieutenant under the General. Speech of Alderman Gibbs
on the part of the Common Council to Sir Thos. Fairfax, and his
Excellency's answer. |
August 11. A complaint was made of players acting plays
publicly at the Fortune in Golding-lane and in Salisbury-court.
The House wondered at the neglect of the justices of the peace
therein to permit them, especially at this time. It was moved
that the Commander-in-Chief of the Guard of the Houses might
take care to suppress them, but considering the dangerous season
of the plague, the House, hoping that the justices of peace will
observe their orders, passed a vote that order be given to the
justices to take care speedily to suppress them. |
No. 38 of the Perfect Occurrences for 17 to 24 Sept. contains,
amongst other matters,—The resolution of the General and his
officers about the proposals of the army, and weighing the arguments against that of Parliaments to be biennially called, his
Excellency and the Council of his Army were contented,—That
Parliament may triennially be called, and meet at a day prefixed,
as is expressed in the late Act. |
His Excellency received letters from Norfolk, of great dangers
of mutiny and fear of bloodshed at Lynn, the townsmen quarrelling
with the soldiery, because the latter have not money to pay
quarters; the seamen made parties with the inhabitants. In the
Commons' House it was voted that the establishment of forces for
the service of Ireland shall be 6,000 foot, 2,400 horse, and 500
dragoons; and that the establishment for England and Wales
shall be 18,000 foot, 7,200 horse, 200 firelocks, and 1,000 dragoons.
That it be left to the General to consider and appoint what garrisons
shall stand, and what forces shall be put into them severally; and
that the members of the House repair to his Excellency to treat
with him concerning the several counties for which they are
members. The General to nominate officers, and the Parliament
to approve. The establishment for the Isle of Wight under Col.
Hammond passed. The charges of the whole establishment for
England and Wales, and to maintain the war in Ireland against
the rebels, will amount to about 100,000l. a month. Letters from
France say that Queen Henrietta Maria expects to come over with
Prince Charles shortly into England. Prince Rupert has been
slightly hurt by the brush of a bullet on the side of his head in a
skirmish, but is recovered very well again of it. In this number
will be found the full text of the Declaration from his Excellency
Sir Thos. Fairfax and the General Council of the Army held at
Putney on Thursday, Sept. 11, which was read in the House of
Commons and ordered to be sent to the Lord Mayor and Common
Council of London. |
On September 20 the Commons passed an Ordinance against
the printing and publishing of unlicensed books, pamphlets, ballads,
and other papers, the offenders to be apprehended by mayors and
other local officials with an Act of indemnity, and the offenders to
be fined,—the writer 40s., the printer 20s., and his press and letter
broken, the bookseller 10s., and the mercuries and hawkers to have
their books taken from them, and be whipt as common rogues, if
they carry such unlicensed books. And for treason, sedition, and
blasphemy the fines not to save them harmless. This Ordinance to
be sent to the Lords for their concurrence. |
No. 39 of the Perfect Occurrences for 24 Sept. to 1 Oct. contains,
amongst other matters, the following. What hopes can there be
to see Christ on his throne whilst every man divides the Lord's
anointed; one is for the King, another for the Parliament, a third
for the army, a fourth for the clergy, a fifth for the City, and some
for none at all? Is this a time to disband and leave the kingdom
naked, and the essence of government not settled ? |
This day, Sept. 24, the Commons voted once more to make
addresses to his Majesty. And that the matter contained in the
Propositions concerning the Militia, his Majesty's calling [in] Proclamations and Declarations, the Propositions for paying of public
debts and for sale of Bishops' lands, &c., shall be presented to the
King for his Majesty's consent. |
Some congregations about London joined about a petition to be
presented to the Parliament for a personal treaty with the King;
but it came not so forward as to be offered to either of the Houses.
Another petition from the same persons about London, that petitioned before to have the House purged, have a petition with many
hands ready, but not yet presented, for all matters to be laid aside
by the Parliament, and the Houses to go about the settling of the
kingdom only. Upon the reports to the House of Commons from
the private Committee for forcing the Houses many things appeared very foul[ly] acted by [the Committee of] the Militia which
then sat, and also by the Common Council of the City. And the
House, descending to particulars, voted Sir John Gayre, the Lord
Mayor, and Aldermen [John] Langham, [Sir Thos.] Adams, and
[James] Bunce, and Sheriff [Thos.] Culham guilty of high treason
and to be committed to the Tower, and be proceeded against as in
the case of treason. |
Sept. 25. The Commons were acquainted that [Capt. George]
Wharton [student in astronomy], hath put forth an almanac for
the next year, wherein the [late] Archbishop of Canterbury
[Laud] is entered in the calendar for a martyr, and other malignant
books were reported from a Committee; some were sent for to be
apprehended. This Wharton, in this last year's almanac, writ of
July 26 thus,—"Some treachery discovered in a great mercurialist.
Fiat justicia." The very day the treasonable petitioners forced
the Houses. And for this very Saturday (Sept 25) he writ thus in
his almanac, just against the day,—"Raro antecedentem scelestum
deseruit pede pœna claudo," seldom doth revenge pursue a foregoing wickedness with a limping pace; now mark how knavishly
he guessed. The very day, early in the morning, the Sergeant-atArms to the House of Commons carried the Lord Mayor from his
house in a coach to the Tower; his Lordship took the sword and
officers with him to the Tower, the Aldermen also [being] there.
Upon further reports from the Committee, the Commons voted
Col. Laurence Bromfield, cutler in Tower-street, Col. Edward Hooker
in Thomas-street, and Capt. [John] Jones near the Exchange, guilty of
high misdemeanour, and to be committed to the Sergeant-at-Arms.
Also that Captain Musgrave, who led on the apprentices to force
the House, with 12 other citizens of London named, be indicted of
high treaon at the King's Bench bar next term, and those of them
not in prison to be apprehended by the Sergeant-at-Arms. |
Weekly Bill of Mortality for the City of London from Sept. 21
to Sept. 28, 1647. Buried in the 97 parishes within the walls 76,
whereof of the plague 26. In the 16 parishes without and at the
pest-house 210, whereof of the plague 120. In the 10 out-parishes
in Middlesex and Surrey 146, whereof of the plague 66. The total
this week 432, whereof of the plague 212. Decreased in the
burials this week 62. The total this week in these 7 additional
parishes 54, whereof of the plague 26. One of those who hath
been eminent in printing scandalous pamphlets is taken. Captain
Wharton is said to be sick of the plague. |
Perfect Occurrences No. 42, from 15 to 22 Oct. From Edinburgh it is reported thus:—This day [Oct. 18] the Great Committee
met, and also the Commissioners of the General Assembly. What
they do you may expect by the next, only this in the interim.
That since it was appointed to disband our army the Gordons are
risen in the north with sundry "slaves," and with them Genl. Maj.
Middleton hath had one encounter and killed above 20 of them;
also Lord Rae [Reay] and his adherents are broken out again, the
Earl of Sutherland is marched toward Lord Reay with 700, and it
is thought they are joined before now. So it is thought, if our
army disband, there will be new troubles in the north of this
kingdom. Preparations for the departure of Mons. Bellieure, the
French Ambassador. |
Oct. 19. The Commons adjourned into a Grand Committee of
the whole House to consider of some visible moneys for present
pay of the army. They took into consideration the Excise, in
which they entered upon the examination of the engagements of
the Excise, which is about 1,000,000l., and debated about taking
off what engagements may be upon other supplies; and ordered
that Sir Thos. Fairfax should send some of his forces to assist the
collections of the Excise, if any obstructions be therein. |
The printer of "Mercurius Melancholicus" was this day brought
before [the Committee of] the Militia of London and paid 20s.
fine, and the Company of Stationers ordered to break his press.
[Newspaper Collection I.] |
The Moderate Intelligencer, impartially communicating martial
affairs of the kingdom. No. 135, from 14 to 21 October. Published weekly. Three numbers of which, one for 1647. Printed
for R. W. Imprimatur G. M. This number, of which there are
two copies, contains, amongst other matters, the following:—The
Commons proceeded [Oct. 14] with the propositions [to be sent to
the King], perfected those the day before voted, and added that the
Common Prayer Book shall not be used in private. A letter from
his Majesty to Sir Thos. Fairfax, desiring that his children may be
permitted to come once in ten days to him at Hampton Court and
stay a night or two, their return to St. James's not permitting this
winter their coming and going of a day as was usual, and this he
is desired to move the Parliament for. Foreign intelligence from
Naples of Sept. 10; from Lisbon, Sept. 20. A relation of the most
detestable treason lately intended against the person of the King of
Portugal by Domingos, from Rome of the 16th Sept., and from Italy
and other foreign parts of different dates. Oct. 18. The Commons
proceeded with the Propositions to be sent to his Majesty, and had
very large debate upon the persons excepted in the first degree; at
last it was referred to a Committee, which is to bring in a Proposition in such and such a manner, in which ten persons are to be
at the mercy of the Parliament. That of the great officers, as
Lord Admiral, Lord Treasurer, the Chief Judges, &c., agreed that
these be at the disposal of Parliament, and ordered that this
be also by a Committee put into form; as for the other particulars
sent by the Lords, as that this Parliament sit a year after his
Majesty hath passed such things as desired, and another to be three
years after that, they are after to be insisted upon. October 19.
The Lords had with them the French Ambassador, M. Bellieure, who
had formerly been with his Majesty to take leave of him; he told
the Lords that the King his master [Louis XIV.] and the Queen
Regent had sent for him, and that he was suddenly to go for France,
another being to succeed, desiring all amities and good correspondence might be continued between them. The Lords and
Commons appointed three Lords and six Commons to go to the
Ambassador in the name of the Houses, and to tender all respects.
[Newspaper Collection I.] |
A Perfect Diurnal of some Passages in Parliament, published
weekly, No. 210, from 11 to 18 Oct. Collected by S. P. G. for the
satisfaction of such as desire to be truly informed. Printed by
E. G. and F. L. for Francis Coles and Lawrence Blacklock, and are
to be sold at their shops in the Old Bailey and at Temple Bar.
Imprimatur, G. M. Contains:— |
This day, Oct. 11, the House of Commons took into further
consideration the desires of the army, in relation to their pay and
arrears, expressed in their last paper from the General Council at
Putney, the heads of which paper of their new desires we gave you
formerly, but having since met with a true copy from the original,
and not yet in print, we will give it you as followeth:—"To the
Rt. Honble. the Commissioners of Parliament appointed to reside
with the army, to be humbly represented by them to both Houses
of Parliament. In our former paper, dated 23rd of September, we
desired, That if the arrears due from the City to this army should
not by the time then limited be paid in, the Parliament would think
of some course by way of penalty to increase the sum and give
power to the General, with directions from the Committee of the
Army to levy upon the refusers both the sums formerly due and
also the additional penalties. Now, forasmuch as the said arrears
are not yet paid in nor levied, we hereby renew our humble desires
to the Parliament." |
This document is printed in Rushworth's Collections [ed. 1682–
1701, Vol. 7, pp. 837–843], together with the whole of this number
of the Perfect Diurnal, which contains, besides the above desires of
the army, a letter from the army to the Speaker of the Commons
House about free quarter and pay, and the King's letter, dated
10 October, from Hampton Court to the General of the army, Sir
Thos. Fairfax, about his children. [Newspaper Collection I.] |