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merchants and advance trade, by having con- | had been general. I have not time to write at stant convoys; that the proceedings at the late Treaty may be forthwith published by the parliament, and their resolutions against free trade as aforesaid, And the petitioners, as in duty bound, shall ever pray, &c. MICHEL." The ears of Northumberland and Manchester, and the lord Roberts, were appointed to draw up what Answer was fit to be returned to this Petition pursuant to the sense of the house.

June 5. The said lords made their Report; and the aldermen and others, who had presented the Petition, being called in, the Speaker delivered the sense of the house to this effect: "He took notice of their good affections in their care for preventing some probable disorders; that the house recommended it to the care of those who have the government of the city, to hinder any thing prejudicial to the privileges of the parliament; in which the public safety is involved, and unto which they are by the Solemn League and Covenant obliged. For the matters contained in their Petition they would take them into their consideration in convenient time; and made no doubt but the city would acquiesce with the judgment of parliament."

It is easy to see, by this Answer, that the lords were not over well pleased with the subject and nature of this Petition. But, however it was, either this Remonstrance from the city, or the king's growing strength and progress, quickened the parliament's several committees for war to write into various counties to put the Press Ordinances in full force, for raising men to compleat their general's army; they being, this day, informed, that the king was marching Southward, his forlorn hope being at Harborough, the main body following, and the foot quartered about Kibworth, Noseley, Skeffington and Tilton, in Leicestershire.

The Parliament resolve to allow Pensions to such Members as had lost their Estates.] About this time it was, that the commons made an Order on purpose to relieve their own Members, who had lost or been deprived of the benefit of their Estates, by this unnatural war, so termed, made by the king against the parliament, or were in such necessity, that they could not, without supplies, attend the service of the house. These were to be allowed four pounds a week separately, to be paid quarterly, to begin from Lady-Day last, out of the revenues of the king, queen, or prince that were in their hands.

An intercepted Letter from the Lord Digby.] June 7. An intercepted Letter, from the lord Digby to colonel Wm. Legge, governor of Oxford, was read to the lords in hæc verba :

large, both to you and my brother secretary, in cypher; and therefore must refer you to his letter, wherein you will see where our design lies. The letter to C. C. C. contained nothing but a dislike of my Answer to the Propositions you write of, as not at all satisfac tory; all is villainy and juggling amongst them. Dear Will, adieu; let us hear from you often, I am your faithful friend and servant, Gro. DIGBY. May 26, 1645."

The ambiguity of this Letter made the lords believe that it was a business of great con cernment; they therefore thought it fit to be examined by a joint committee of both houses, who were accordingly appointed, to send for and examine such persons as they should think proper, to discover the truth of this business to keep secrecy, and report it afterwards to the house.

Letter from General Fairfax, &c. to desir the Continuance of Cromwell in the Army.] June 10. A Letter from general Fairfax and other officers, was this day read to the lords; the purport of which was to continue general Cromwell in the Army, notwithstanding the Self-denying Ordinance; and was as ful lows :

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"My lord; Sherrington, June 8, 1645

Upon serious consideration how the horse of this army may be best ordered to the ad advantage of the public service, we find, that being as great a body as ever the parliament had together in one army, and yet having general officer to command them; for want thereof, both much of the service they might do will be impeded, and great danger and conveniences may befal the whole army, espe cially in a day of battle: therefore, we makt bold to represent to your lordships and the honourable house our humble desires, that lieut. gen. Cromwell, so long as his attendance on the house of commons may be dispensed with, may be appointed to execute that place; which we hope may prove as advantageous te the general good, as it will be acceptable to us, &c. Thomas Fairfax, John Butler, Cha Fleetwood, Edward Whalley, Philip Skippen, Tho. Sheffield, Tho. Rainbow, Henry Ireton, Harcourt Leighton, Tho. Herbert, Johu Potter, Wm. Spencer, Wm. Slaine, Leonard Watson, Tho. Hammond, E. Mountague, John Picker ing, Robert Hammond."

The lords ordered this letter to be take into consideration the next morning, and al the lords to have notice to attend. Bat there is no further mention made of it in the Lords Journals. The commons, however, ordered that Cromwell should command the bars, during such time as that house should dispens "Dear Governor; Just as this messenger was with his attendance; and sent a letter to him taking horse, I received yours of the 22d, for for that purpose. And it being very probable which I thank you; assuring you that nothing that the Armies might be engaged very speed can come more welcome to me than your kind-ily, it was ordered, by both houses, "That the ness. The reason of my limitation in your orders, concerning the Oath, was, chiefly, not to give umbrage to my lord Southampton, if it

Assembly of Divines should be desired to set apart the next day, June 11, for seeking God, by prayer, to bless and prosper the parlia

ment's army, under the command of sir Thos. | said sub-committee being now dissolved, it was Fairfax."

desired, That any of them might give account to the houses of their proceedings therein; also that the houses would use expedition in this business, for avoiding the aspersions which may be cast upon the members of that subcommittee.

Declaration of the Lords Wurriston and Say and Sele relative thereto.] Lord Roberts also delivered in a Paper, containing the lord Warriston's Declaration, relating to the knowledge he had of this business; which was read, in hæc verba :

Information of some Members being concerned na Plot against the Parliament.] June 11. At this time it was that the commons began o suspect a Plot, wherein some of their own 1embers were concerned. The first Informaion of it to the lords was this day, on the oaths Salwey and Greensmith, read as follows: "This day, about half an hour after twelve 'clock, Mr. James Cranford, minister, came o the Exchange in London; and did there penly declare and affirm, That there was disovered to the parliament a great treachery in "All my knowledge concerning the subbe committee of both kingdoms, some whereof committee is this only, That this sub-committee ad assumed to themselves a power to be a was made first, and then renewed, without ab-committee; and had, for about 3 months putting any of our members upon it; yea, none ast past, treated secretly with the king for the of us remarking that such a thing was ap rocuring and making their own peace, and for pointed: that, within two days after the rehe surrendering and delivering up the parlia-newing of it, some of the members of the ent's forces, castles, and garrisons; and the ouses of parliament had chosen a committee f7 lords and 14 commoners, to search out his treason; and that there were divers mongst them, who were of the former subommittee, that treated with the king. And Mr. Cranford being asked, Whether this that e reported was certain and true? be affirmed I was, and said, Let it fly as far as it will, for it is true.' This we do declare and affirm o be the substance of Mr. Cranford's speech pon the Exchange, to us and divers others. Dr. Ashton, col. Gore, capt. Jenner, and Mr. Ballow, can give further information about this matter. Rd. Salwey, John Greensmith.”

The lords ordered this Information to be ramunicated to the commons; with a desire bat a committee of that house might meet with the lords of the committee for the lord Digby's Letter, to consider of it this afternoon; and that Mr. Cranford be sent for to appear before this committee, and likewise the other witnesses to be further examined.

By referring this Information to the committee on lord Digby's Letter, it seems that the lords thought there was some connection between those two businesses; and it appears still plainer, by a Message from the commons, sent up the same day, desiring, That the person of the lord Saville should be,secured and his papers seated up; and that he should be examined before the same committee, hehaving reported, That a member of the house of commons, had given intelligence at Oxford. All which the lords ordered accordingly; and that the committee on lord Digby's Letter should be reduced to 2 lords and 4 commoners.

June 13. Some farther intelligence was made to the lords respecting this matter. The lord Roberts reported from the committee of both kingdoms, then sitting at Derby-house, "That this committee had appointed a subcommittee, who had power to treat for the delivering up any considerable garrison of the or bringing over any considerable force, and for sending out such as spies, to keep intelligence with the enemy" But the VOL. II.

enemies;

houses, of this committee, called for the Order, and desired some of our members to be added; whereupon, about the 7th of May, my lord chancellor was added, and I, in his lordship's absence: that until the afternoon wherein the report was made to the committee, being the 6th of June, I never was called to that subcommittee: that, the day before the report, my lord Say was pleased to tell me thus much in general, That the business was some overtures for the surrendering of Oxford, and bringing over to the parliament some of the king's horse; and that he would take some time to communicate the particulars to my lord chancellor and me. That, at that meeting, imme diately before the report, my lord Say told me, That it was Goring's horse should be brought over; that colonel Legg was the man who should surrender Oxford; and that my lord Saville was the man who did deal with the one and with the other, and who assured him of it; as also that he had revealed to a lady, by decyphering a letter come to him from Oxford, that Hollis was the man that kept weekly correspondence with Digby; but, withal, that be now heard the business would fail; whereupon we all resolved, for preventing jealousies and misrepresentations of the sub-committee, to make our report to the committee, and to desire the vacating of that Order; but to speak nothing of Mr. Hollis, because we conceived there was no sufficient ground to call any man's name in question; and so the report was made. Since the report yesternight, my ford Say was pleased to tell me the rest of the circumstances, which now his lordship reports to the committee, and to shew to me my lord Saville's Letter to my lady Temple: and the lord chancellor of Scotland did further declare, That he did not know there was any such subcommittee appointed, nor any such order or power given to them, neither when it was first

In all the former proceedings this gentleman is called sir Archibald Johnston of Warriston. Probably he was about this time made a Lord of Session.

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appointed, nor when it was again renewed; | this time, to put an end to all our miseries; but that his first knowledge of it was upon the 7th of May; at which time he and myself were added to the sub-committee; but that he was never called to that sub-committee, nor did meet with them, nor know any thing at all of the business, till the sub-committee was vacated; after which time my lord Say was pleased to acquaint him therewith.”

This Declaration and the rest of the foregoing Papers, reported from the committee of both kingdoms, were ordered to be communicated to the house of commons.

June 14. This day the lord Say and Sele delivered in to the lords a Declaration, in writing, concerning the business of the subcommittee of both kingdoms; and it was ordered, That the committee for lord Digby's Letter might make use of this Relation as they should

see cause.

yet, how specious soever they were, nothing of
this nature was to be meddled withal, without
leave from the committee of both kingdoms;
and, therefore, if he were confident to do any
good in these particulars, and could be an ur
strument to do the parliament so great service,
I would offer these overtures to the committer
of both kingdoms; and if they would appoint
a sub-committee to treat with any that might
be instruments thereof, it might then be pro
ceeded in, otherwise not. He gave me thanks
for giving him that advertisement, which, he
said, he knew not, and might thereby have rua
himself into danger.-I did move the commit
tee of both kingdoms in it, and they appointed
a sub-committee to treat with any about the
delivering up of any considerable garrisond
town into the parliament's hands, or drawing
over any considerable forces of the king's to
the parliament's side, or discovering any per
sons who gave intelligence to Oxford. This
was entered by Mr. Chiesly, Mr. Frost beng
otherwise emp oyed, in a paper by itse,
which Mr. Chiesley affirmed, when it was
called for, he had put into the box where the
other papers of entries were; but when it
was sought for, it could not be found; whe
fore the committee was moved to appoint it to
be entered by another Order, which was dest
according to the former; and, some days after,
my lord of Essex called to have the order ready
and my lord of Warwick moved that some of
the Scots commissioners might be added, which
was done. After the first order, my lord Sace
sent to the party to let him know that what te
desired would be performed, and, upon per

"When my lord Saville came from Oxford, after he had been examined, and given satisfaction to the lords, and was set at liberty, be came to me and told me, That, upon the breaking of the Treaty at Uxbridge, many were much exasperated against Digby, and other counsellors that they conceived were the cause thereof; and the earl of Newport, before he came from Oxford came to him, and willed him to propose this to those that he thought fit to intrust with it, that col. Goring, being infinitely incensed against the lord Digby and others, for the disgrace put upon his father in France, would come over to the parliament, and bring over those horse he commanded with him, upon condition that he and his father might be well received; they expected not to be employed, but only the favour to en-formance of his part, 10,000l. would be given joy their liberties and estates; and withal, when this was done, col. Legg should deliver up Oxford to the parliament, both being agreed upon between them: he said also, That being come to the parliament, he desired to make it appear that he came with real intentions to serve them to the utmost of his power; and therefore would do his best endeavours to effect the particulars abovesaid; for which they would lay down the way how they might receive security in what they desired; and that being done, the time and manner should presently be agreed upon: besides this, he said He knew there was constant intelligence given to Oxford, every week, of every thing that was done in the houses, or in the committees, by one of the house of commons; and that himself had given part of 31. a week, which was given to one that brought the papers weekly: and he said, That Digby, when he used to reckon up the advantage they had on their side, was used to add this above all the rest, That he had a sure card amongst themselves, that never failed him in any thing of moment; and he would endeavour to do his best to discover these, that he might do the parliament service. These were his overtures to me, to which I answered, That though this were such as, if they might be effected, were likely, at

He received a note from col. Legg, that the lord Newport had not fully instructed him a all particulars concerning that he wrote of but he would send to him to receive more d directions; and he might assure himself le should find him the man he took him for This note he shewed to me, for I had told sin that it was suspected, while he pretended a treaty upon these particlars, he might therthy take advantage to treat about other prope tions with other persons; and I told him it wa liable to suspicion. He thereupon protested very deeply, that he treated about nothing bet these, nor with any other; and said he wond receive the sacrament upon it that it was true; and that he would willingly take the Oath made for those that came from Oxhed which accordingly he did take; and protestes he should receive nothing from Oxford but should know of it, to prevent that suspicion, for of his messengers, or the times of sending, or of the way of it, I knew nothing. The next that I heard was this, my lady Temple told me there came a man who brought a letter to lord Saville; she saw him deliver it sealed; be called her into the room, and said he wou keep his promise, and receive nothing from Oxford but she should see; and that I should know it. When it was opened it was in cy

phers; he began to decypher it, and called her after he had decyphered some, which was compliment; and said, 'here is something.' Then she saw him after, as he decyphered it, produce this, Now, my lord, I tell you a secret of all secrets, which you must use only for caution, and reveal to none; Hollis is the man that keepeth constant intelligence and correspondency' (one of these words it was she told me) with Digby. My lady Temple told me she had told the same to Mr. Solicitor, I being out of town: and my lord Saville, when I caine back, told me the same; and said, He was sure it came from one who knew the secrets of the king's breast; but would not name the person. I told him, That this was a thing of a very tender nature; for on the one side, if this were a truth, without God did preserve us almost by a miracle, we must needs be ruined, For all our secret councils were discovered; on the other side, if this should be taken for a proof against a man, it would be in their power to ruin any man here at their pleasure; therefore, if this were truth, if he could make it out so as it might have a sufficient proof, it were great service, considering how destructive it would be if true. He said he would use his best endeavour.—After this, Oxford being beseged, I pressed him to put it to an issue, for told him, The hanging of it thus long would ›reed jealousy, it being a fortnight or 3 weeks ometimes before I heard any thing of him; dl that I heard I did, from time to time, cominunicate to Mr. Solicitor and Mr. Crew; and when the Scots commissioners were added, told my lord Warriston first of the particulars which were the subject of the design, and hen I desired to attend my lord Loudoun and him some afternoon, when we might more fully leclare to them the persons and particulars ogether. Having been in the country, after I came home, the siege being raised from Oxford, and conceiving that nothing more would be effected herein, we resolved to desire the committee might be dissolved, and did ; after which I received from my Lady Temple a note, written to her by my lord Saville when I was in the country, wherein he shewed by what means this design was overthrown; and affirmed, That he was assured there was a real intention in it, if it had not anhappily miscarried; and that upon my sending to him that he should desist, he would be sure to send no more messengers. I presently sent him word that the committee was dissolved, and he must not send any into the king's quarters. This is all the treaty that I ever knew any thing of; and I think the committee of both kingdoms, being appointed by the parliament to manage the war, if such offers of so great advantage to the partiament being made known to any of the committee, be should not have acquainted the committee with it, or they neglected to make use of it so far as to see if they might be effected, neither had done their duty."

Battle of Naseby: June 16. A Message

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was brought up from the commons by sir Robert Harley, to acquaint the lords with threeLetters they had received from sir Tho. Fairfax, lieut. gen. Cromwell, and the Commissioners of the Army, giving intelligence of a happy victory it had pleased God to give their forces, two days before, under the command of sir Tho. Fairfax, at Naseby, in the county of Northampton: and, because Almighty God might have the only praise, the house of commons, he said, "desired their lordships concurrence, that Thursday next, the 19th, might be kept a day of public Thanksgiving, at ChristChurch in London. That they had thought of Mr. Marshall and Mr. Vynes, to preach that day before both houses, if the lords would consent to it. They also desired, That these Letters, from the Army, might be printed and published, and some rewards given to the messengers who brought the happy news. That Letters of Thanks be sent to sir Tho. Fairfax and the general officers, and that a jewel of 5007. value be presented to the former, as a testimony of their affections to him, and of the esteem they had of his services." The lords agreed to all this, with an addition, That the lord mayor, aldermen, and common council of London be invited to meet the two houses at Christ-Church on the day appointed; and that Friday, the 27th instant, be likewise set apart for a day of public Thanksgiving in all churches and chapels of this kingdom under the power of the parliament.-Next follow, in the Lords Journals, copies of the 3 Letters beforementioned, and a list of the prisoners taken at the Battle. Two of the prisoners, taken at this Battle, were members of the house of commons; sir Henry Vaughan, a colonel in the king's service, and sir Win. Portman; who being brought to the bar of that house, the Speaker told them, "That they had falsified that trust their country had intrusted them with, for the good of religion and public liberty; that by the treachery and infidelity of such as them, this unnatural war had happened, and so much of their countrymen's blood had been shed; and, for their unfaithfulness and treasons to their king and country, they were to be committed prisoners to the Tower for high treason; and should be proceeded against according to law."

General Cromwell has leave to continue in the Army 3 months longer.] This day also the commons sent up another Message to the lords to let them know, “That, in regard of the service lieut. general Cromwell was then engaged in, and the 40 days for the continuance of his employment being near expirtng, they thought fit to desire their lordships concurrence, That he might be farther continued lieut. general of the army in the present service; and have the established pay of it during the pleasure of both houses." This Message being considered of by the lords, after a debate upon it, the question. was put, Whether Mr. Cromwell should be lieut. general as the commons desired, or not? It was carried in the Negative. But to sweeten

this Vote to the commons, the lords, at the same time, voted "That Mr. Cromwell should continue lieut. general of the horse, and have his pay according to the established pay of the ariny for 3 months, from the end of the 40 days, formerly granted him; which the commons agreed to.

There is nothing material now entered in the Journals for several days, except some small advance in the business of the late Plot; wherein we find that the lord Saville, for refusing, on bis examination, to name the person who wrote to him concerning Mr. Hollis, was committed close prisoner to the

Tower.

sent; but remain, Your &c. LEVEN. Mathfield, June 20, 1645."

The E. of Leven marches with the Scots Army towards Worcester.] June 30. Both houses wrote the following Letter to the Scots Army to desire them to march towards Worcester. It was directed to the earl of Leven, as follows:

A Motion in the House of Lords for Peace.] June 10. This day a motion was made in the house of lords, "That upon the great and good success the parliament's forces had over the king's at Naseby Field and elsewhere, some course might be thought of to put an end to all these distractions, and to settle a firm and wellgrounded Peace, by sending Propositions to the king." Upon which, it was resolved to have a conference with the commons about this business, and that the same should be communicated to the Scots commissioners; and a committee of 11 lords was immediately appointed to draw up what was fit to be offered to the commons at the said conference.

"My lord; Your letters, sent to the com mittee of both kingdoms since you came into Nottinghamshire, have been read in both houses of Parliament; wherein they find you are most willing, with all chearfulness, to undertake whatsoever may conduce most to the improving of the late victory; for which, and your other expressions to employ the army for the best advantage of the common cause, the houses do return unto you their most hearty thanks; and understanding from the committee of both kingdoms, that, by their Letter of the 25th and 27th instant, they desire the speedy advance of your Army into Worcester, the houses do approve thereof, and do also desire your speedy march accordingly; which they conceive most necessary, in regard sir Thomss Fairfax, with his army, is gone far Westward for the relief of Taunton and our forces there, whose necessities were so pressing that we could not stay sir Thomas till you were at quainted; assuring ourselves that you will make the greater expedition, lest the king, Advice from the Earl of Leven, of the Scots who is yet weak, may recruit himself to a com Army's Advance Southward.] June 23. The siderable army, and, in the mean time, plunder Scots Army being now far advanced into Eng- and destroy all the neighbouring counties. land, the condition of these auxiliary forces The houses do take special care for the month's will be best understood by the following Let-pay for your army; 13,000l. of it is ready, and ter from their General, which was this day the rest will be provided in few days, and sent read: to meet you."

"My lords and gentlemen; I received The King's Letters taken at the Battle of your Letter, directed to the committee and Naseby.] June 30. The king's own cabinet myself, representing your desires for the speedy having been taken at Naseby Field, wherea advance of this army, and expressing your were copies of several Letters from him to care to procure from the city of London a the queen; the house of commons sought how month's pay, and also their suit to the committee to make use of them to his majesty's disad of the house of commons, that equal care vantage and their own service; and this may be had of our army as of their own; all day sent up the following Resolutions they which we cannot but, with thankfulness, ack- had come to, in order to make these Let nowledge to be no small matter of encourage-ters public; which were all of them agreed ment, and to take it as an assurance of the to by the lords:-1. "That the most material same care for the rest of the months: and we Letters and Papers, taken at Naseby Field, be do hereby likewise make known to your lord- communicated to the city at a common hall. ships, that, in obedience to your desires, we 2. That the lords be desired to appoint & are thus far advanced; being most willing to committee of their house to join with a com apply ourselves, with all chearfulness, to what-mittee of a proportionable number of this soever undertaking may conduce most to the improving of that late victory, wherewith you were also pleased to acquaint us, in that way which shall be propounded for the happiness of this kingdom and the strengthening of the firm unity of both, than which we have nothing more in our care; and shall embrace all opportunities to evidence our constant affection to this common cause, for the regaining of a blessed Peace and settlement of Religion; but, because your lordships are shortly to receive a more particular account of our ways and intentions by Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Gil lespie, I shall forbear to add any thing at pre

house, to peruse the Letters and Papers takes at Naseby Field, to consider what letters are most material and most fit to be communicated to the Common Hall, and to make observa tions upon them, to be communicated with the letters. 3. That the time to be desired for this common hall to meet, shall be on Thur day next. 4. That no person de presume to print any part of the Letters to be comman

Mr. Rushworth informs us, "That sin Thomas Fairfax seemed unwilling to open the King's Letters; but that Cromwell and Lean prevailed upon, him to do so.”

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