abroad; and therefore desiring that a proper examination might be made into this business, and such course taken therein as the houses should think fit: also that the chains of the city, which had been lately taken down, might be set up again: the Army be removed to a farther distance: and that an Ordinance might pass to appoint major-general Skippon to be major-general over the forces of the city, and within the lines of communication and bills of mortality, for defence of them and the parliament; to whom the city resolved to adhere according to the solemn League and Covenant." -The lords gave the petitioners thanks for their good affections and resolutions to adhere to the parliament according to the Covenant: that as to the setting up again the chains of the city, they leave it to the lord-mayor and common-council to do as they think fit: and that as to major general Skippon, he being a member of the house of commons, they can do nothing without the assent of that house, but will take the matter into farther consideration. The same Petition, with a copy of Everard's Information, was presented to the commons, who approved the desires of the lord mayor and common council concerning major-general Skippon; ordered the militia to see the chains set up again; and gave their thanks to the petitioners. The Speaker was also ordered to acquaint them, That the occasion of part of the Army's being drawn so near, was the late tumults; that the house would take this business into consideration, and proceed thereupon in such manner as might be most for the good and safety of the parliament and city, so far as thereby they might receive satisfaction. ment of Scotland, dated at Edinburgh, April 26, 1648, was read, directed to the Speaker of the house of lords: "Right honourable; The Parliament of Scotland, now assembled, being resolved, by all fair and just means, to endeavour the preserving and maintaining the brotherly unt and good correspondency betwist the king doms, to which, by so many bonds and ties, they are mutually obliged; yet being very seisible that the many just and necesary Desires, given in by their commissioners, by order from this kingdom, for the good of religion, of his majesty, and for the interest of Scotland, have not received a satisfactory Answer, and considering the many great an imminent dangers threatening religion, his majesty's person and authority, yea monarchica governinent itself, and the peace and unos of these two kingdoms of Scotland and England, by the power and prevalence of sectaries and their adherents, have thought fit to mat these just and necessary Demands to the be nourable houses of the Parliament of England, to which the parliament desires a clear and satisfactory answer; not having the st thought or intention to incroach upon the notional rights of the kingdom of England, ar to entrench upon the privileges of parliament but their zeal to the glory of God, their lore ty to their king, and their desire of unity be twixt the kingdoms, have moved them to mait these inclosed Demands, whereby religion my be settled according to the Covenant, his m jesty may enjoy his freedom and just rigis, and so, by settling a religious and safe Peace, the present confusions and distempers may be removed, and all occasions of mistakes a differences betwixt the two kingdoms preve cd. This is all I have in command from the parliament, in whose name this is subscribes by your, &c. LOUDON, Canc. President of 24 Parliament." DESIRES of the Parliament of Scotland, the Honourable Houses of the Pare ment of England, referred to in the foregoing; dated Edinburgh, April 26, 1648. Votes of the Commons relating to the Settlement of the Kingdom.] April 28. A question was proposed in the house of commons, That they will not alter the fundamental 1 government of the kingdom, by king, lords, and commons. And another question being also put, Whether this word will should be in it? it was carried in the affirmative, 165 against 99; so that it was resolved, upon the question, That they will not alter the fundamental government of the kingdom by king, lords, 1. "It is desired, that an effectual cons and commons. After which it was resolved, be taken by the houses, for enjoining the C That the matter of the Propositions sent to venant to be taken by all the subjects of the the King at Hampton-Court, by consent of crown of England, conform to the first A both kingdoms, shall be the ground of the cle of the Treaty, and conform to the Dec debate for the Settlement of the peace of the ration of both kingdoms, in 1645; by wach kingdom. These words, That the Matter of, all who would not take the Covenant, t were prefixed to the Resolution, after debate, declared to be public enemies to religion by a majority of 108 against 105.-Next it the country, and that they are to be censure was proposed, That leave be given to any and punished as professed adversaries and members of this house, in debate of the Settle-lignants; and that reformation and uniform ment of the kingdom, to propound any thing for the same as they shall think fit, notwithstanding the Votes of the 3rd Jan. last;' which was carried also in the affirmative, by 146 against 101. Desires of the Parliament of Scotland, touching the Covenant, the King, the Army, 4c.] May 2. A Letter from the parlia ty in religion, be settled according to the Co venant: that as the houses of parliament have agreed to the Directory of Worship, so they would take a real course for practising them of by all the subjects of England and Ire land: that the Confession of Faith, trans ted by the Assembly of Divines to the bo be approved; and that presbyterian chard rernment, with a subordination of the lower | are as follow:-1. "That they do declare that semblies to the higher, be settled and fully they will not alter the Fundamental Governablished in England and Ireland; and that ment of the Kingdom, by king, lords, and ectual course be taken for suppressing and commons. 2. That they do declare themselves tirpating all heresies and schism, particu- fully resolved to maintain and preserve invioly Socinianism, Arminianism, Arianism, lably the Solemn League and Covenant, and abaptism, Antinomianism, Erastianism, Fa- the Treaties between the kingdoms of Englism, Brownism, and Independency; and land and Scotland; and that they shall be perfecting of what is yet further to be ready to join with the kingdom of Scotland in ne, for extirpating Popery and Prelacy, and the Propositions agreed on by both kingdoms, ppressing the practice of the Service-Book, presented to the King at Hampton-Court, for mmonly called The Book of English Com- the making such proceedings thereupon, as on Prayer.' II. That, conform to the for- shall be thought fit for the settlement of the r Desires of this kingdom, the king's ma- Peace of both kingdoms, and the preservation ty may come with honour, freedom, and safe- of the union according to the Covenant and to some of his houses in or near London, Treaties. 3. That this last Vote be sent to at the parliaments of both kingdoms may the Commissioners in Scotland, to be by them ke their applications to him, for obtaining communicated to the parliament in that kingroyal assent to such Desires, as shall be dom."-But, notwithstanding these seemingly them presented to him for establishing of pacific proceedings, the commons took care igion as is above expressed, and settling a to make peace sword in hand, by passing a ll-grounded peace. III. That all the mem- vote this day, on a division of 127 against 76, rs of both houses, who have been faithful That the seven northern counties be forthwith this cause, may frcely and safely return and put into a posture of defence. end their charges; the city of London may joy its liberties and privileges, which it had fore the late encroachment of the Army, e parliament may sit and vote with freedom d safety; both kingdoms, without interrupin or disturbance, may make their applicans to his majesty; and the settling of relion and peace may not longer be hindered id obstructed; it is desired that the present May 11. Both houses having thought fit rmy of Sectaries, under the command of that a Letter should be sent to the parliament homas lord Fairfax of Cameron, be dis- of Scotland, to acquaint them, That the sendanded; and none employed but such as have ing the General with the Army into the North, shall take the Covenant, and are well-af- was but to settle and secure those parts, and cted to religion and government; excepting regain Berwick and Carlisle; a committee om the said disbanding the garrisons neccs- was ordered accordingly.-The same day a ry to be kept up by the parliament of Eng- Letter from col. Horton was read, giving intelnd for the security of that kingdom, which ligence of the routing of Laugharn's forces in e desired to be commanded by such as have Wales. In consequence of which, it was orshall take the Covenant, and are well-dered that Monday next, the 18th instant, be fected to religion and government as afore-appointed a day of Thanksgiving for so great id. LOUDON, Canc.' President of Parlia- and seasonable a Victory. About this time came advice that the duke of York, who had lately made his escape from the earl of Northumberland, was arrived at the Hague, where he was kindly received by his sister, the princess royal of Orange. The manner of his highness's Escape, and the circumstances that occasioned it, are particularly related by lord Clarendon. ent." Remarkable Petition of the County of Surrey The Speaker further declared, that the mes-for a Personal Treaty with the King; which nger that brought this Letter told him, he ad directions from the parliament of Scotand to stay in England but 15 days after the elivery of this letter: whereupon the lords dered it to be immediately communicated to De commons. The Scots had frequently expressed a jeausy of the parliament's falling off from their olemn League and Covenant. To remove erefore all such imputations, they passed, is day, an Ordinance for suppressing Heresy nd Blasphemy. Votes of both Houses in favour of the Contitution of the Kingdom, a Treaty with the ing, &c. May 6. Petitions having come p from several counties to the parliament, to ctrle the government and restore the public peace: hereupon, the commons thought proer to send up some votes to the Lords for heir concurrence, which were agreed to, and occasions a Riot.] May 16. We have already taken notice that several Petitions had been sent up, from different parts of the kingdom, praying for a speedy Settlement of the nation. The most remarkable of these was this day presented to both houses, from the county of Surrey; the heads of which are thus given by Mr. Whitlocke: "That the King may be re stored to his due honour and just rights, according to the oaths of Supremacy and Allegiance; and that he may be forthwith established in his throne, according to the splendor of his ancestors: That he may, for the present, come to Westminster with honour and safety, to treat personally for composing of differences: That the free-born subjects of England may be governed by the known laws and statutes: That the war now beginning may be prevented : See vol. v. 8vo. edition, p. 130. adjacent, to be in a ready posture to preven or resist the same; and that also presen order be forthwith given to all the keeperse the prisons, that all prisoners committed acting any thing against the Parliament, may kept securely within the said several prison And that the Ordinance for the preventing free-quarter may be duly executed, and speed made in disbanding all Armies, they having their due Arrears paid them."-The lords answered the petitioners, "That they were at present upon consideration of the Settlement of the kingdom, and doubted not but to satisfy-Both houses approved of the particulars all." The Memorialist proceeds thus : "This Petition was presented to the commons in the afternoon, when some of the countrymen being gotten almost drunk, and animated by the Malignants, as they came through WestminsterHall, they fell a quarrelling with the Guards, and asked them, Why they stood there to guard a company of rogues? That then words on both sides increasing, the countrymen fell upon the Guards, disarmed them, and killed one of them, and wounded divers. Upon this alarm more soldiers were sent for from Whitehall and the Mews, who fell upon the countrymen, killed five or six of them, and wounded very many; chasing them up and down through the Hall, and the lanes and passages thereabouts."---General Ludlow gives much the same account of this tumult; adding, "That lieut. colonel Cobbett, who commanded the Guard, being called into the house to give an account of what had passed, went to the bar, bleeding from the wounds which he had received, and related the passages before-mentioned; but some friends of the petitioners within doors informing the house that the matter of fact was otherwise than had been represented by the lieut. colonel, the parliament appointed a committee to examine into the truth of it."-This last circumstance is confirmed by the Journals; which authority also further informs us, "That the petitioners gave out words, That they would have a speedy and satisfactory Answer, or else they would have the Blood of that house; and had withdrawn themselves into the Fields." Hereupon the commons ordered their thanks to be returned to the officers upon guard for the preservation of their house: but a motion being made for giving an Answer to the petitioners, it passed in the negative. Information of some Insurrections being intended, in and about London, against the Parliament.] May 13. The last Petition from the city of London had been long under consideration by both houses; and this day a Paper from the committee of lords and commons, for the Safety of the Kingdom, sitting at Derby-House, was read in these words: "Ordered, That it be reported to both houses, that this committee hath secret intelligences, that there is a design of very dangerous consequence ready to be put in execution against the parliament, city, and kingdom, by forces being listed for that purpose under an oath of secresy, a more particular account whereof this committee will be able to give the houses to-morrow; in the mean time to desire the houses to give present order to the several Militias of London and parts this report, and ordered, That the lord mare do call a Common-Council next day; and th then a committee of lords and commons da thither to let the citizens know how ready houses have been to grant their desires; to desire them that they would take care the suppressing of Insurrections and Tunda and for preservation of the parliament.-T same day, the lords passed an Ordinance, ser up from the commons, for making maj general Skippon major-general of all the force within the late lines of communication bills of mortality, according to the city of La don's Petition. May 19. The earl of Manchester present to the house of lords a Report from the Com mittee of Safety at Derby-House, contai: several Letters and Papers relating to the ma Insurrections now on foot in different parts the kingdom: these, being rather military parliamentary, we shall omit. They will be found in the Lords Journals, vol. 10. 267, et supra. Amongst them was a Repo from the Committee of Safety, of the trans tions of major Desborough and the comm sioners sent down to Bury, in Suffolk, to s press a riot in that town; where, as Mr. Wa locke informs us, "Six hundred men got gether in arms, about setting up a may-p crying out For God and King Charles,' ihold on some of the parliament's soldiers, and set guards in several places."—Lastly was rele a Letter from the lord Fairfax, with seve Papers inclosed, relating to a high quarrel tween the mayor of Exeter and the sold there. Upon reading these Papers in the bes of commons, they resolved that the forces t der sir Hardress Waller be forthwith remort: thence; and that a Leiter be sent from t Speaker to the General, to desire immedi execution of that Order. Declaration against presenting Petitions in Parliament in a tumultuous Manner.] May L The following Declaration, for preventing multuous Assemblies under pretence of p senting Petitions to parliament, was agreed " by both houses: "The lords and commons in this prese parliament assembled do declare, That as the right and privilege of the subjects of Fr land, to present unto the parliament their jas Grievances, by way of Petition, in a due m ner; and they shall be always ready to rece such Petitions, and to provide such remst for redress of such grievances, as they inter wisdom and judgment shall think best; 0,5 regard that by tumultuous Assemblies of per sons in several counties and cities of this dom, in the framing of such Petitions, d plots and designs are carried on by Maligna shoutings, whilst the houses were in consideration of the Petition; to the drawing together many disaffected persons in and about Westminster, to the danger and interruption of the peaceable sitting of the houses. That the houses cannot attribute those disorders to that county; but do retain in memory their many 1 Delinquents, and persons ill affected, to endangering the destruction of religion, 5 present parliament, and the laws of this gdom, and liberties of the subject; and, by like tumultuous presenting of the same by at numbers of rioters and ill-affected peris, contrary to former usages in antient es, many mischiefs have ensued, and blood-faithful services and good affections expressed d; and both houses of parliament hindered 1 interrupted in their debates and resoluns, concerning the Settlement of the great airs, peace, and safety of the kingdom; the d lords and commons do hereby declare i ordain, and be it ordered and ordained by hority of this present parliament, That ry such Petition, which hereafter shall be ught up and presented to the houses of parnent, from any county or city, or otherwise, Il be brought up and presented only by a venient number, not exceeding 20 persons; i all such Petitions shall be by them deli-pect to be free from tumultuous interruptions ed to the knights, citizens, or burgesses, who ve in parliament for the said county, city, borough, from whence the said Petitions ne, or to some member of either of the i houses, by them to be offered to the said pective houses; and that all persons who Il bring up any such Petition, do behave mselves peaceably, orderly, and without nce. And if any person or persons shall eafter, under any such or the like pretence, ultuously assemble as aforesaid, the said son or persons so offending, shall be adged as persons ill affected to the parliament kingdom." everal Members appointed to go down into rey, on account of the late Petition from : County.] We have before taken notice . remarkable Petition from the county of rey, presented on the 16th, to the house of mons, in a riotous manner; that thereupon ✓ had refused to give any Answer to it, and appointed a committee to examine into the ision and circumstances of the riot; how, we find the commons thought it more dent, at this crisis, to sooth, than to exasate, the petitioners; for, this day, they made Order, That the members who served for rey, and other members dwelling in that uty, be desired to go down there. The foling Instructions were also drawn up, and by sir Richard Onslow to the lords, who 2 their concurrence: NSTRUCTIONS for such Lords, and Mem bers of the House of Commons, as shall be sent into the County of Surrey. That the earl of Northumberland be desired zo suddenly down, with such other gentleas the house shall please to nominate, the county of Surrey. That they use their eavours, by the best ways and means they I think fit, to inform the county of Surrey the undue manner of delivering a Petition the houses, on Tuesday last, by many of the abitants thereof; and of the great disorder was amongst the petitioners, by tumultuous to the parliament; and doubt not but those distempers that fell out were contrary to the desires and liking of that county. That they inform the inhabitants of that county, That the houses intend not to hinder their presenting of Petitions in a due and fitting way; but shall be ready to give all encouragement and answers thereunto, for the satisfaction of their just desires. That the houses are upon the present consideration of matters of most weighty concernment to the Settlement of the Kingdom in a safe and happy Peace; and extherein. That the houses have ordered the restoring such horses as were taken away from divers of the petitioners, that behaved themselves in a peaceable manner at that time: and they shall take care that the whole business be duly examined; and that all witnesses be freely heard; and expect that no misrepresentations may be made thereof in the mean time." The City of London resolve to adhere to the Parliament, and petition for the Discharge of their impeached Aldermen, &c.] The same day Mr. Annesley reported the substance of the Answer of the common council of London, to the committee of both houses who went into the city on the 19th, viz. "That they did acknowledge, with all thankfulness, the great pains and care of the parliament for them; that their resolutions were constant, to remain firmly conjoined in opposition to the common enemy, who watch for their ruin; that they look upon the news the committee brought them, as light breaking through the clouds; and that they do resolve, in pursuance of the Solemn League and Covenant, to live and die with the parliament." May 23. The following Petition was presented to both houses from the city of London. The Humble PETITION of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons, of the City of London in Common Council assembled, "Sheweth; That as your petitioners, in all humility, do thankfully acknowledge the many former favours of this honourable house, manifested to this city, so in particular in granting their desires, expressed in their late Petition concerning the Tower and Militia of London; and in communicating unto the petitioners several Votes of both houses of parliament; wherein, to your petitioners great joy and comfort, are expressed your Resolutions, That you will not alter the Fundamental Government of the kingdom, by king, lords, and commons, That you will preserve inviolably the Solemr the Tower, it was a business of a very seriou and important consideration; and therefore the house had resolved to resume the debate of t on that day se'nnight.-The citizens being withdrawn, the commons resolved, "That such members of their committee as went to the last Common Council, be enjoined to go to another, League and Covenant, and the Treaties between the kingdoms of England and Scotland; and that you will be ready to join with the Lingdom of Scotland in the Propositions agreed upon by both kingdoms, and the Preservation of the union according to the Covenant and Treaties. And your petitioners further humbly present to this honourable house, That the in-appointed to meet tomorrow, and represent habitants of the city are much grieved, in that unto them the great necessity there is for the their magistrates and fellow-citizens have, for payment of the Arrears due from the city to a long time, been under restraint, and the city the Army: that neither they, the parliament, thereby deprived of their service; and humbly nor city, can be long safe without a speedy pray, That in prosecution of your said Votes, payment of those Arrears; besides the infyou will be pleased to improve all good oppor- ence it hath upon other parts, by the ill pretunities in perfecting so desirable a good as is cedent that this great city should be so far be therein expressed, for the speedy settlement of hind in arrears, at such a time; and to pres the Peace of both kingdoms,and preservation of that 30,000l. of the said Arrears may be forth the union according to the Covenant and Trea-with advanced; and the remainder theref ties, and preventing a new and bloody war. brought in with all speed." That the Aldermen now in the Tower, the Recorder, and the rest of their fellow-citizens restrained upon the same occasion, may be discharged and restored; whereby the city may be the better united, their hands strengthened, and they made more serviceable to the parliament and city for their preservation and safety, which they shall endeavour to the utmost of their power and abilities. And the petitioners shall ever pray, &c." The lords returned the petitioners Thanks; and gave them assurance of taking all opportu nities for a speedy settlement of a safe Peace in both kingdoms, according to the Covenant; and endeavouring to prevent a new and bloody war: That upon the Impeachments sent from the commous, they had proceeded no other wise than in the usual course of parliament: That as to the Recorder and the rest not impeached, they would endeavour their release; and assured the city of their inclinations to comply with these desires from them, as a means firmly to unite them, to fasten their hearts, and strengthen their hands to serve the parliament, in order to the establishment of religion and the peace of the kingdom according to the Covenant. Votes of the Commons in Consequence thereof.] The Speaker of the commons acquainted the citizens, That the house had considered their Petition; that in it were many Desires which are expressed to tend very much to the union of the city in itself: which how much that house desired, would appear by the following Votes: 1. "That Mr. Glynn, Recorder of the City, be discharged from any proceedings upon the Vote for his Impeachment. 2. The like order made for lieut. col. Baines; the colonels Chapman, Vaughan, Copley, Bromfield, and Hooker; the captains Jones and Cox. And, 3. That upon the desire of the Militia of London, the horse and foot in the Tower should be removed from thence, and joined with the forces at Whitehall and the a Mews; there to continue till the city declare to they are in a posture to defend the parliament and themselves."-He also further informed to-hem, That as to the case of the Aldermen in The Commons resolve to treat again with the King.] May 24. The commons still parsvei their design of beginning another Treaty with on king, for settling a safe and well-groundes Peace. And this day the question being p in that house, That Religion and the Ma being first settled, and the Declarations, à being recalled, then a Treaty should be b with the king upon the other Propositions to him at hampton-Court, it passed in affirmative, on a division, 169 against 86. The Propositions being afterwards reduced form, it appeared thereby that the King agree to settle the Presbyterian Governme for 3 years, and the Militia, by sea and land in the hands of the parliament for ten: that all his declarations, proclamations, ments, indictments, and outlawries shoul recalled and made null before any Treaty to be had with him. Information of an intended Insurrectin London, &c. in favour of the King.] 26. The lord Say and Sele reported a Pet from the committee at Derby-House, w was read as follows: "Ordered, That i reported to both houses, that this commTM/ having written to the General to take care prevention of the dangers, that are imma from the Insurrections and distempers of people in several counties adjacent; the general hath desired, that, to enable him the forces in the Tower and the Mews may free to follow his order for it: To offer thereupon, to the consideration of the bo if those forces be made use of to that end. the houses may sit secure.-That whereas committee formerly reported to the ho that there was a Conspiracy carried on in about London, under an Oath of Secrey; we have received several informations s that the said conspiracy is still carned that the committee of the Militia of Le sent to this committee a copy of that h their Association, which is hereunto anc We have also intelligence, that, on Tasa next, there will be a meeting at Blackof the Kentish men; the same day, of the rey men at Putney-Heath; and of the E |