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their directions. For the business itself, of the king's coming to the parliament or to the I cannot conceive there is any ground for it; but however, I believe I shall be the last that shall hear of it. Your humble Servant, ESSEX. May 16, 1644. Upon the March.” The Ordinance for continuing the Joint Committee passed at length, by both Houses.] May 23. The lords sent a Message to the commons, informing them, That they did concur with them in the Ordinance, for continuing the Joint Committee, which they had carried in their house, on a division of 95 against 53. Upon which all differences about this affair were seemingly dropped; and the following is entered in both Journals, as a compromise of the whole dispute:

sioners appointed by our Brethren of Scotland, in such things as shall by them be propounded from, and in the name of, the kingdom of Scotland, for the ends aforesaid; and, from time to time, to advise and consult with them concerning the same. And do further give full power unto the members of both houses above-named, and unto John earl of Loudo lord high chancellor of Scotland, John lord Maitland, sir Archibald Johnston of Warriston, and Mr. Robert Barclay, or any 7 of them, (whereof a member of each house to be present) as a committee, to order and direct what soever doth or inay concern the managing of the war, keeping good intelligence between the forces of the 3 kingdoms, and whatsoever may concern the peace of his majesty's dominions, and all other things, in pursuance of the

Treaty: and the committees of both houses are to observe such orders as they shall, from time to time, receive from both houses."

A Committee of Ways and Means, fur main taining the Parliament's Armies.] May 27. To support the vast expence that must naterally accrue from keeping four Armies on foot, the commous this day, appointed a committee to consider of all Ways and Means for raising of Monies; either by securities of companies, or other particular persons beyond seas; of by mortgaging of any lands, or by putting to sale sequestred estates; or any other way they could think of, and report the same to the house.

"Whereas by the Covenant and Treaty, ratified and established between the two king-ends expressed in the said Covenant and doms, both nations are engaged in one common cause against the enenties of their religion and liberties; and by the late entrance of the Scots forces into this kingdom, in pursuance hereof, are firmly united in a joint posture of arms, for their own necessary defence, and for maintaining of the ends expressed in the Covenant and forasmuch as nothing can be more advantageous nor conducible to the purpose aforesaid, than that the conduct of the affairs of both kingdoms, in prosecution of the ends before-mentioned, be managed by the joint advice and direction of both nations, or their committees, authorized in that behalf; that so not only the counsels, resolutions, and forces of both kingdoms, may be, to the utmost improved to the common good, and a right intelligence, and firmer unity, held and preserved between aud within themselves; but also that a good correspondency may be set on foot and maintained abroad, with other states in a joint way, to counterinine the wicked confederacies and designs of the Popish and Antichristian faction, in all parts, against the true Protestant Reformed Religion, and the welfare of his majesty's three kingdoms: and whereas the Convention of the Estates of Scotland have appointed committees residing in Scotland, and in the Scots army; and have sent some of the said committees as commissioners for the purposes aforesaid, to repair unto, and reside near, the two houses; whereof some are already in this city. In consideration hereof the lords and commons, assembled in parliament, do nominate, ordain and appoint, Algernon e. of Northumberland, Robert e. of Essex lord-general, Robert e. of Warwick lord-admiral, Edward e. of Manchester, Wm. viscount Say and Sele, Philip lord Wharton, John lord Roberts, hon. Wm. Pierpoint, Sir Henry Vane, sen. sir Philip Stapylton, sir Wm. Waller, sir Gilbert Gerard, sir Win. Armyn, sir Arthur Haslerig, sir II. Vane, jun. John Crew, Robert Wallop, Oliver St. John Solicitor-general, Oliver Cromwell, Samuel Browne, John Glynne, recorder, or any 3 of them, (whereof a member of each house to be present) to treat with the committees and commis

Vote of both Houses for the March of 10,000 Scots to reduce Newcastle.] June 22. A Mes sage was brought from the commons, to let the lords know, That they were informed of the great pressures, which the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, and Westmoreland, suffered under the enemy. And that, considering the Scots Army was the engaged before York, and the great inconve niency which would come to the city of Lo don, and the Southern parts, for want of fuel, if some speedy course was not taken to reduce the town of Newcastle to the obedience of the parliament: for preventing these things, he said, The commons had passed a Vote, wherein they desired their lordships concur rence, viz. That the Forces already raised, and now raising, in Scotland, being as is re ported, about 10,000, be invited forthwith to come in for our assistance." To which Vote the lords agreed.

Letter from the E. of Essex setting forth the State of Affairs in the West.] Things begin ning now to grow critical in the West of Eng land, as well as the North, the parliament had their eyes also upon those parts. Sir Wo. Waller and his army had been ordered from thence, to serve elsewhere; and the earl of Essex, with his forces, were commanded to march there, for reducing those counties to the obedience of parliament. This day, the fol lowing Letter from their general, directed to the Speakers of both houses, was read to the lords, as follows:

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"Right Honourable; I have received a Letter, dated the the 10th of June, signed by the lord Grey of Warke and by the Speaker of the house of commons, in which the houses of parliament do direct that such a considerable party of horse should be sent to Lyme, as might raise the siege; and, that siege being raised, to join with those of Lyme, in pursuit of the enemy and it appears by the same Letter, that both houses expect that the pursuit shall be effectually continued, for the frustrating of the enemy's settling of an Excise, and raising of men and monies in those Western parts. I desire to satisfy the expectation and fulfil the desires of both houses of parliament, and therefore to pursue prince Maurice and Hopton with my whole army; for it is mpossible that the settling of an Excise, &c. should be wholly frustrated in those Western parts with a less strength than the whole body of my horse and foot, as will appear by the enning Reasons: 1. The enemy is gathered ogether again, stands in a body within 3 miles of Lyme; and no doubt but they have certain atelligence that 4 or 500 men have been drawn off from Lyme since we raised the siege. hope they do not hear we are designed to nake a stand by directions of the Grand Committee, yet have reason to suspect it because they are so bold as to face the town gain, as is signified to me by the governor's etter. 2. I have sundry troops of horse ngaged already for the preservation of that listressed, but deserving town of Lyme; and ow there are so many hundred men drawn off rom thence, it is impossible the town should e defended, or my engaged troops come off vith honour, unless I advance with my whole irmy. 3. Weymouth, Melcombe Regis, and jarfoot Castle, being now surrendered into my ands, I must leave some considerable strength. behind me to preserve them, and block up the Portland men, or else I may lose Weymouth while I go to relieve Lyme. You see there is work enough for a greater army. 4. I am Issured by the lord-admiral, that the Western ounties will flock in from all parts to our body, case I march with my army further West. The Plymouth men will take the field with 2500 foot and horse, and fall upon the rear of the enemy while we charge them in the front. Lastly, It is the unanimous judgment of the Joint Council of War, both by sea and land (called upon this occasion by the lord high adiniral and myself) that it will be exceeding prejudicial for me to retreat, or once to make a stand; and that my advance will, in all human by the blessing of Heaven, be effectual for the preserving of Lyme, breaking the enemy's association, and reducing the West. If, after all my sad consultations, faithful endeavours, and, by God's blessing, happy success, you shall call me back as oue that is not fit to be trusted any further in a business of Buch high concernment, I will come and sit in parliament, as not knowing any military employment worthy of my presence in any asso

reason,

ciated county which is wholly committed to the care and trust of some inferior commander. I have no more to add, but that though your former directions could not be observed, yet your desires have been fulfilled by your lordships humble servant, Essi x." P. S. My lords, I do forbear to give you an account of the Ordinance, Arms and Ammunition in the towns, because there are discoveries made every hour of more and more; but what is already is very considerable, and I shall shortly give you a particular account."

This Letter was ordered to be communicated to the commons at a conference; at, which it was agreed, by both houses, That, in regard to the Reasons alledged by the lord-general in this Letter, and that he is now so far advanced in the West, as also that the commons had made suitable provision for the pay of his army there; that he should still proceed and follow those advantages he had gained, in order to prevent the associating of those Western counties, the raising of forces, and the levying of money in those parts, for the king's service.

Mr. Whitlocke remarks, "That it was thought strange, at that time, that the committee of both kingdoms should, at that distance, take upon them to give particular orders for the services and march of their armies, and not rather leave it to the chief commanders that were upon the place; who, upon every motion of the enemy, might see cause to alter their counsels. This, he adds, increased the jealousies and peaks between the lord-general and Waller, both gallant men; but the general thought himself undervalued and Waller too much exalted. Nor did there want pickthanks to blow up those coals of jealousy, and this proved unhappy to the parliament's affairs afterwards."

Another Letter from the E. of Essex, for a Supply of Money, Ammunition, &c.] June 27. Another Letter from the lord-general, directed as before, and sent up by the commons, was read :

"Right Honourable; Since my last I am advanced with my army to Bridport, and intend, God willing, to march forward to-day. I desire the month's pay which we have so long expected, and that the ammunition and the shoes, which were heretofore promised to the soldiers, may be speedily sent, otherwise the service which I am desirous to do for the kingdom and parliament will suffer in a great measure. I desire the rather to press for this month's pay, and likewise a constant Supply for the ariny hereafter, according to the Ordinance, because I am in hopes that, if the money which can be raised in these parts may be employed for the pay of these men, which will come in unto us in these counties, it will be such an encouragement to them, that it may take very good effect: but if I be forced to pay my army with their monies, I fear they will unwillingly be at a double charge, and hazard their persons too. I likewise intreat you that some gentlemen of these Western

counties may be speedily sent down, for most of us are strangers here; and I am confident their presence would much advantage the service. I doubt not but, by God's assistance, I shall be able to break the enemy's association, though the forces now with prince Maurice be much more considerable than was believed when I came hither; he having now with him 2500 horse, and about that number of foot, besides their garrisons. As soon as I understand the money is either at Southampton or Portsmouth, I will desire my lord-adiniral to cause it to be conveyed by sea. I humbly desire the houses will be pleased to let me have their commands in these particulars, and I shall, with all chearfulness, shew any readiness to obey as becometh. Your &c. ESSEX, Bridport, July 4, 1644."

Ordinance for excluding all such Members as have deserted the Parliament.] June 29. The houses had for some time, been at variance respecting an Ordinance for excluding the Members of both Houses that had deserted the parliament; and the lords had given some Reasons to the commons why they could not agree to it. These not being satisfactory, they acquainted the lords that they still adhered to their former Resolution; on which that house took the business into debate this day; and the question being put, it was resolved to ! agree with the commons in this Ordinance, the earl of Lincoln only disscuting, who begged leave to enter his name against it. This Ordinance, or bill of exclusion, was in these words:

"The lords and commons now assembled in parliament, taking into consideration, that divers members of both their houses, have, since the beginning of the unhappy distractions depending, in breach of their duties, withdrawn themselves from that attendance upon the public affairs of the kingdom in parliament, to which the necessities of the kingdom, and the trust in them reposed, have obliged them; and have also joined with, and repaired unto that party, that is now in arms against the parliament; and seriously weighing the great inconvenience and prejudice, which hath arisen, and may farther arise, in respect thereof, the same tending to the scandal and dishonour of the parliament, the discouragement of such as are well-affected, and the subversion of religion, laws and liberty, by means whereof the whole kingdom is nearly interested and concerned in their said departure and offcuce. And whereas divers members of the house of commons who have deserted the parliament, and adhered unto those that levy war against the parliament, have, by judgment of the house of commons, been justly disabled from sitting, or continuing any longer members of the said house, during this present parliament; by which judgment, the several and respective counties, cities, boroughs and places, for which they served, have right to elect new members for the parliament, upon a warrant under the hand of the Speaker of the house of commous, directing a writ to

issue under the Broad Seal to that purpose: and whereas divers members of the house of peers have also deserted the said house of peers, and adhered to those that levy war against the parliament. The lords and commons assembled in parliament, do ordain and declare, That whatsoever member of the said house of peers hath so offended, or hereafter shall so offend, as aforesaid, shall be disabled from having any voice, or sitting in the said house of peers, during this present parliament, until his re admittance shall be approved of, and consented unto, by both houses of parliament. Provided always, and it is hereby, ordained and declared, That whatsoever member of the house of com mons, that heretofore hath deserted, or here after shall desert, the parliament, and adhere to those that levy war against the parliament, is, and shall be absolutely disabled from sitting is the said house of commons, during this present parliament."

Oswestry taken by the Parliament's Fortes.] A Letter from the earl of Denbigh was this day read, giving an account of his taking the town and castle of Oswestry, in Shrop shire, with 400 prisoners and 300 arms; os which the parliament ordered a Letter of Thanks to be sent him, for this his good service and former testimonies of affection to them, &c.

Letter from the Lord Admiral concerning the State of the Navy.] July 5. A Leter from the lord-admiral was read in the house d lords directed thus:

To the Right Hon. my very good lord, the

Speaker of the House of Peers, "My lord; I crave leave to trouble y lordship with a brief narration of the State of the Navy; which, when I look upon, as res pecting the future, I find extremely defective; the stores being exhausted, and the magazines of hemp, rosin and tar, masts, canvas, and other materials near totally empty. It is true the house of commons hath had an honourable care to set apart timber for the several yards; but if it remain unwrought, through the of cers not being able to fit it to use, the condi tion of the navy will not be bettered as to actual service. I find that the credit of the commissioners of the navy, which was heret fore very serviceable upon an exigent, is much spent ; for the tradesmen will deliver nothing without ready money, having not received ther first payment for their provisions abroad, though the second payments are become due; th the victuallers at Chatham, Portsmouth, &c. will deliver no more victuals to the ordinary, in regard of the great debts owing them; whereby, and by want of wages, the sailur are ready to mutiny, and the attendance of the ships to be neglected.--When I consider the Fleet now abroad, I find the Irish Guard in danger to be deserted by his majesty's ships employed there, before the summer ends, for want of means to compleat 8 months victuals; they receiving aboard but six months at their going out, and divers of the ships with me will

sent to their Lord-General. The Letter was this:

be forced shortly to come in without reparation: I must therefore intreat your lordship to hasten what can be spared for the service, and a speedy furnishing of those remainders that were received short of the summer's portion, for neither of which, as I am informed, is any money ready.—I shall not urge for setting forth of more ships to increase the summer's fleet, knowing the great expences that lie upon the state; but if some ships designed to be part thereof, and now detained in the river, for ought I can hear to the contrary, for want of money, were abroad, the prejudice that befalls the North Sea fishermen, and the trade of the kingdom in general, for want of convoys, might happily be in some better measure prevented; to which I am able to contribute very little assistance, more than the present disposition of the Fleet affords; the ships being wholly taken up for securing the Western parts, which cannot be neglected.-A Winter Guard is necessary to be thought on, and the preparations will not admit of delay: the wages and freight of ships now in service will amount to a great sum, and if the provision of money precedes not their coming in, the state will contract a greater surplusage of charge, besides the discouragement of the mariners. It is too apparent that the Customs and Excise, set apart to the Navy, do not near reach the expence, though the benefit of reprizals be cast in; and I hear not of any other resolutions or means to make it up. It will be easily determined, that supplies of this nature and variety cannot be made on a sudden, especially in masts, whereof is I take it there are few in England; and hat the opportunity of time cannot be let slip without a very great prejudice by addition in atter of price.-I cannot, with too much scuse and sadness of thought, apprehend the danger bat inevitably threatens the safety of his majesty's dominions, if timely care be not had in the premises; which, in testimony of my duty and performance of my trust, I cannot do less than represent to your lordship. I have this Evening received a Letter and other papers hom Milford-Haven, setting forth the distracted condition of those parts, which I have sent up to the committee of both kingdoms. They came accompanied with capt. Wm. Rigby prisoner, whom I have directed to be kept in safe custody at Portsmouth, till the parliament or the committee shall please to command him to London, he being suspected to be the unhappy instrument of the late calamities of Lancashire, by his treacherous compliance with the enemy. And so, desiring your lordship to impart this Letter to my noble lords of the house of peers, having myself communicated the same in substance to the house of commons, together with the tender of any humble service, I take leave, and rest, Your &c. WARWICK. Aboard the James in Portland-Road, July 1, 1644."

Letter of Admonition from both Houses to the E. of Esser.] July 6. Both houses agreed, at last, on a Letter of Admonition to be

VOL. III.

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My lord; We are commanded by both houses of parl. to acquaint your lordship, that the committee of both kingdoms have reported to them the designs of carrying on the war, with the Letter sent to your lordship in prosecution of those designs, with your several Apswers. And they are of opinion, if the Resolutions of the houses, and the Directions of that Committee, had been followed, the public affairs had been in a better condition. We are also to let your lordship know, that, in some of your Letters to that committee, there are some expressions which might well have been forborue; but to make the best use of their affairs, as they now stand, they find themselves necessitated to new councils, and would have your lordship take all advantages on the enemy, and use all your best endeavours for the reducing of the West. And although they find themselves discomposed by your lordship's going into the West, in respect of the pay of the armies, yet the houses are in present consideration thereof, and will endeavour to settle it to the satisfaction of both armies: and do expect that such directions as your lordship shall, from time to time, receive from them or the committee, be observed. This being all we are commanded to signify to your lordship, we remain, Your lordships faithful servants." Signed by the Speakers of both Houses.

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The King's Message to the Parliament, from Evesham, for Peace.] Mr. Rushworth informs us, That the king, a few days after the blow he had given to sir Wm. Waller at Cropredy Bridge, advanced to the borders of Worcestershire and, being arrived at Evesham, bis majesty sent, from thence, a Message to the earl of Essex to be communicated by him to the parliament, containing some Propositions for Peace. This Message, he adds, was sent accordingly; but the houses not conceiving themselves to be owned by the direction of it, and because it was but a copy, though the original, as was intimated to them, was in the hands of the French agent, returned no Answer to it. This may be the reason that this Message is not taken notice of nor entered in either of the Journals: but since this proceeding is somewhat singular, we shall give it from the King's Works:

To the Lords and Commons of Parliament

assembled at Westminster.

"C. R. We being deeply sensible of the miseries and calamities of this our kingdom, and of the grievous sufferings of our poor subjects, do most earnestly desire that some expedient may be found out, which, by the blessing of God, may prevent the further effusion of blood, and restore the nation to Peace; from the earnest and constant endeavouringof which, as no discouragement given us on the con

trary part shall make us cease, so no success on ours shall ever divert us; for the effecting whereof, we are most ready and willing to T

condescend to all that shall be for the good of | be commanded by the house, to acquaint the us and our people, whether by way of confirmation of what we have already granted, or of such further concession as shall be requisite to the giving a full assurance of the performance of all our most real professions concerning the maintenance of the true Reformed Religion, established in this kingdom, with due regard to the ease of tender consciences, the just privileges of parliament, and the liberty and property of the subject, according to the laws of the land; as also the granting of a general Pardon, with or without exceptions, as shall be thought fit. In order to which blessed Peace, we do desire and propound to the lords and commons of parliament assembled at Westminster, that they appoint such and so many persons as they shail think fit, sufficiently authorized by them, to attend us at our army, upon Safe-Conduct to come and return, (which we do hereby grant) and conclude with us how the premises, and all other things in question betwixt us and them, may be fully settled; whereby all unhappy mistakings betwixt us and our people being removed, there may be a present Cessation of Arms; and, as soon as may be, a total disbanding of all our armies, the subject have his due, and we be restored to all our rights. Wherein, if this our offer shall be accepted, there shall be nothing wanting on our part which may make our people secure and happy. Given at our Court at Evesham, the 4th day of July, 1644."

Ceremonial of admitting the Dutch Ambassadors to an Audience of both Houses.] July 8. The lords took into consideration in what manner to give audience to the States Ambassadors; and it was ordered, That all the lords should have notice to be present on the day; the peers to be in their usual habits without their robes; all the judges and assistants being present. The little lobby was to be prepared for the receiving them, before their Address to the house; whither none were to come but themselves, and the Painted-Chamber to be kept clear to entertain their company. The master of the ceremonies was to conduct them there from their own houses; then the usher of the black rod was to bring them in from the lobby, and three chairs to be set in the house for them. That, when they were come in, every lord, sitting in his place, was to stand up and salute the ambassadors; then to sit down and not to stir out of their places to speak with them so long as they were in the house. If the Ambassadors spoke any thing, their interpreters were to report it to the Speaker in English, and they to withdraw before the Speaker reported the same to the house. The Ambassadors to sit covered; and that coaches be sent to bring them and their followers to the house, such lords as had coaches being desired to send them.

The Orders which the Commons made for the Introduction of these Ambassadors to that house, are also entered in their Journals, as follows: 1. The master of the ceremonies, to

States Ambassadors, in the name of the house, That they have appointed Friday, at 9 of the clock in the morning, to give the said Ambassadors Audience, according to their desire expressed in a paper, dated the 5th of July instant; and to return their Answer unto the Speaker of the house. 2. That the said master of the ceremonies, on the day of Audience, take with him ten coaches, with a convenient number of gentlemen of quality, which shall be appointed by the house, to go along with him to accom pany the Ambassadors to the council-chamber of the court of wards, at the hour appointed, and to give notice of their being there. 3. That the guard place themselves from the outward door of the lobby of the house of com mons, to the outward door entering into the court of wards; and to keep the rooms and way clear between the court of wards and house, suffering none to come in but the mem bers of the house, and those that are appointed to accompany the Ambassadors and their train. 4. That three chairs, with arms, be placed somewhat above the middle of the house, for the Ambassadors. 5. That the serjeant, by command of the house, go with his mace to give them notice that the house is ready to receive them; and that he conduct them, in his usual manner, to the house. 6. That the master of the ceremonies, and the gentlenes appointed to accompany the Ambassadors, and the ambassadors train, do stay and make a lane in the lobby; and none of them to follow the ambassadors into the house beyond the bar: and, upon the Ambassadors going to ther chairs, all the gentlemen to withdraw, and the doors to be shut, and the serjeant to hy down his mace on the table. 7. That, upra the Ambassadors coming within the bar of the house, the Speaker to rise up in his chair and salute them; and all the members of the house to put off their hats, sitting in their places; and then the ambassadors to be heard what they have to impart. 8. Upon their retiring to the place of their repose, the same passages and ceremonies to be observed, as in their first coming up."-These directions were ordered to be delivered to the master of the ceremonies, who was to take proper care every particular.

Ordinance for an additional Excise.] This day an Ordinance was read for laying an addi tional Excise upon some commodities not yet thought of; the preamble of which, expres sing the necessities of the parliament at that time, deserves our notice:

"The lords and commons in parliament be ing desirous, by all good means, to provide for the payment of the public debts of the king dom, which they hope, by God's blessing, convenient time to bring to pass; and earnest payment of such pressing debts, as are due t ly labouring for the present satisfaction and to several handicraftsmen, strangers, persons, for arms and ammunition, bought and taken up of them for the service of the stat

and other

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