The trial of Strafford: The twenty-second article

Historical Collections of Private Passages of State: Volume 8, 1640-41. Originally published by D Browne, London, 1721.

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'The trial of Strafford: The twenty-second article', in Historical Collections of Private Passages of State: Volume 8, 1640-41, (London, 1721) pp. 517-518. British History Online https://www.british-history.ac.uk/rushworth-papers/vol8/pp517-518 [accessed 26 March 2024]

The Two and Twentieth Article.

The Charge.

Charge:

22. That in the month of March, before the beginning of the last Parliament, the said Earl of Strafford went into Ireland, and procured the Parliament of that Kingdom, to declare their assistance in a War against the Scots; and gave directions for the raising of an Army there; consisting of 8000 foot, and 1000 Horse, being for the most part Papists as aforesaid. And confederating with one Sir George Ratcliffe, did together with him the said Sir George, traitorously conspire to employ the said Army, for the ruine and Destruction of the Kingdom of England, and his of Majesties Subjects, and altering and subberting of the fundamental Laws, and established Government of this Kingdom.

And shortly after, the said Earl of Strafford returned into England, and to sundry Persons declared his Opinion to be, That His Majesty should first try the Parliament here, and if that did not supply him, according to his occasions, he might use then His his Prerogative as he pleased, to levy what he needed; needed; and that he should be acquitted both of God and Man, if he took some come other courses to supply himself, though it were against the Wills of His Subjects.