than to the effect and purpose to vacate his patent, which his Idp. was informed by his Counsel to be void in law. To the 3rd Article, His ldp. denies any uncivil addresses to Win. T.'s daughter, or of any threats of ruin to her family. To the 4th, he saith, That there were several rooms in the Timber Yard in the possession of the said Wm. T. all which (except such as he claimed to belong to him as surveyor of the said Castle) did belong to several artificers, to some by patent, and to others by constant usage and enjoyment; and that, by his majesty's order under his majesty's privy signet of the 28th Feb. 1664, the rooms belonging to the artificers of the said Castle are commanded to be restored to them; and, that his ldp. might be sure to do no man injury, he desired several gentlemen of the neighbourhood, who had been well acquainted with the offices and usage of the said Castle (whereof the said Wm. T. was one), to make enquiry, and certify concerning the said rooms; which all of them (except Mr. T.) accordingly returned, That the Rooms possessed by the said Win. T. belonged to divers artificers;' whereof Mr. T. having notice left at his house, his wife and family there refused to deliver possession according to his majesty's commands, but instead thereof returned reviling language; and at this time when he was removed from the said rooms, the said Wm. T. was suspended from the place of Receiver by an order of his maj. and council, and Mr. Dudley Rouse placed in the said office, the said rooms claimed to belong to the said office were delivered to the said person that was placed in the said office, and the rest to the artificers to whom they belonged; but the rooms as surveyor are still in his possession, without any disturbance. 'To the 5th Article, he saith, That the suggestions in his majesty's Warrant of the 30th Nov. 1665, for restraining Wm. T. from going out of the said Castle, are true; and that he was taken by the marshal and brought into the Castle without any soldiers, and during his restraint there he was not a close prisoner by his lordship's directions as by his lordship's warrant will appear; neither did he at any time refuse bail for him, for none was tendered. And as for Henry Marten's liberty, his lordship saith, it was not done with his privity or consent; but saith, he hath since enquired thereinto, and finds the fact to be, that the lord Lovelace, being lord lieut. of the county, coming to Windsor, sent to the officer, to desire leave for Henry Marten (his brother-in-law) to dine with him, who accordingly gave him leave, and sent the marshal with him, who brought him back again. To the 6th, he saith, That the first Habeas Corpus was returnable immediate, and was delivered in his lordship's absence, he being then attending his maj. at Oxford, and did not know of the same till after the return thereof. The 2nd Habeas Corpus was not delivered to his idp. till Saturday afternoon at Windsor, and VOL. IV. the term ended on Monday following; so as, by reason of the shortness of the time, he could not make return thereof; and his Idp. doth deny that he called the person that delivered the said writ, rogue;' or used any reviling or reproachful language against him for the Delivery of the said writ; and upon the Pluries Habeas Corpus, his Idp. made a return thereof in due time, and the court of king's bench saw cause to hold him bound by recognizance to appear the last day of the term, to answer any information that should be exhibited against him for the matters in the Warrant. To the 7th he saith, That he knows not what Mr. T. might hear concerning his future imprisonment, nor what his guilt might make him apprehend; but that his lordship had not the least thought of it himself. He assured a noble peer of this house, who writ, to him on Mr. T.'s behalf, that he would not imprison him; neither was he afterwards imprisoned by his Idp. or did any warrant or command from his Idp. issue to that purpose. And as to the allegation, that he hath been enforced to leave his wife and family, it is surely a great mistake; for he oftentimes since kept courts publicly at Windsor, without interruption, or cause of fear-Having thus most plainly expressed to your lordships the truth of his proceedings, he humbly subinits the same to your lordships judgment." The said Answer was communicated to the commons, but it does not appear from the Journals that they made any replication there to. Disagreement between the two Houses.] Soon after this Impeachment, a difference ensued between the lords and commons, concerning a Poll-Bill, and the Bill for taking the Public Accounts; the former were for doing it by commission from the king, and not by Bill, as was proposed by the commons. The consequence of which was, that the latter in some heat resolved, "That this proceeding of the lords in going by Petition to the king for a Commission for taking the Public Accounts, while there was a bill sent up by this house, and depending before them, for taking the Accounts another way, is unparliamentary, and of dangerous consequence." A few days after, they likewise declared, "That, according to the right and settled course of parliament upon Bills, neither a bill, nor any part thereof is to be communicated to his majesty by either house, until the whole be agreed unto by both houses." As to the Poll-Bill, the lords in a free Conference insisted, among other things, upon adding some names to the commissioners. To which the commons disagreed; but without the least asserting their peculiar rights as to Money-Bills: they only gave this reason for their non-compliance, "That it hath been observed, that in all Acts of Subsidies and of Poll-Money, the greater the number of commissioners, the less money bath been raised; for many commissioners incumber one another, and rather pro 2 A follows: cure the ease of themselves, and their many we have therefore prepared a Poll Bill; wherefriends, than the advance of the king's service, by we have brought in all sorts of persons, and the public benefit." professions, and personal estates, to give their The Speaker's Speech to the King, on pre-assistance to your majesty, and to ease the senting the Poll-Bill.] Jan. 18. The king land-tax: Multorum manibus grande levatur came to the house of peers, and commanded onus.' This Bill, we hope, will speedily bring the attendance of the commons; who being in a considerable sum of ready money for your come, their Speaker addressed his majesty as majesty's present use. We have likewise taken care for supplying the remainder by another Bill remaining with us, which in a short time will be ready to be presented to your majesty, -The better to enable your majesty's good subjects to pay these several Aids, and with chearfulness to supply your majesty's future occasions; we thought it necessary to remove a nuisance out of their way. The infinite number of Foreign Cattle that were daily imported did glut our markets, and bring down the prices both of our home-bred cattle and our lands; therefore we have prepared a Bill for the prohibiting of any Foreign Cattle for 7 years. We find your majesty's Mint is not so well employed as formerly; and the reason is, because the fees and wages of the officers and workmen is in part paid out of the bullion that is brought to be coined, and what is wanting is made up by your majesty. We have, therefore, for the ease of your majesty and those that shall bring in any plate or bullion to be coined there, made another provision, by an imposition upon wines, brandy, and cyder, imported from any foreign nations.— Having given your majesty this short account at present, we shall, with your leave, return to perfect those bills that still remain with us; and we hope so to finish them to your majesty's satisfaction, that all your majesty's enemies both at home and abroad may see and feel the effects of this blessed correspondence between our gracions king and his loyal parliament." "May it please your most excellent majesty; Since the two houses of parliament, by your majesty's command, were last convened, they have with great care inspected the state of the kingdom: they find your majesty engaged in a sharp and costly war, opposed by mighty princes and states, that are in conjunction against us. They see with sorrow the greatest part of your metropolitan city buried in ashes. These are Ardua Regni' indeed, and fit only for the advice of a loyal parliament. But, sir, looking narrowly into things, we found our body politic entering into a consumption; our treasures, that are the sinews of war and the bond of peace, as much exhausted; the great aids which are given to your majesty for the maintenance of the war are but like the blood in its circulation, which will return again, and nourish all the parts: but a great deal is yearly transported in specie into France, to bring home apes and peacocks; and the best returns are but superfluities and vanities: we have therefore unanimously besought your majesty to stop this issue of blood; and we hope your majesty's most seasonable and gracious Proclamation will prevent the future expiration of these spirits. We have likewise been alarmed from all parts of the kingdom, by the Insolencics of Popish Priests and Jesuits, who, by their great numbers and bold writings, declare to all the world, they are in expectation of a plentiful harvest here in England: but your majesty, by your gracious Answer to the desire of both your houses, your command for all of ficers and soldiers in your majesty's pay to "My Lords and Gentlemen; I have now take the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, passed your Bills; and I was in good hope to and your Proclamation for the Departure of have had other bills ready to pass too. I canPriests and Jesuits out of this nation, have in not forget, that within few days after your a great measure secured us against those fears. coming together in Sept. both houses presented When your majesty was pleased, at the me with their Vote and Declaration, that they opening of this session, to speak to us, you would give me a Supply proportionable to my commanded us to find out the best expedients occasions: and the confidence of this made me we could, for carrying on the war with as little anticipate that small part of my Revenue which burden to the people as was possible.-The was unanticipated for the payment of the seaknights, citizens, and burgesses of the commons men and my credit hath gone farther than I house of parliament, have industriously ap- had reason to think it would; but it is now at plied themselves to the consideration of this an end.-This is the first day I have heard matter. They quickly resolved of a Supply of any money towards a Supply, being the 18th for your majesty, suitable to your occasions, of of Jan. and what this will amount to, God 1,800,000l. but it hath taken up much of knows; and what time I have to make such their time, so to lay this aid, that it may not preparations as are necessary to meet three secm a burden. A little weight lying always such enemies as I have, you can well enough upon one shoulder will at length become un-judge: and I must tell you, what discourses easy; but being shifted sometimes to the other shoulder, there will be some refreshment. The greatest part of the taxes that have been raised these 26 years were laid upon our lands, which made us desire to give them some rest: The King's Speech, on passing the Poll Bill.] After passing the said Bill, his majesty made the following Speech: soever are abroad, I am not in any treaty; but, by the grace of God, I will not give over myself and you, but will do what is in my power for the defence of myself and you. It is high time for you to make good your promise; and it is high time for you to be in the country, as "May it please your most excellent majesty; Nothing conduceth more to the happiness of a nation than a right understanding between the prince and the people: and nothing more advanceth this correspondence than frequent meetings in common council. By the wisdom of our fore-fathers, the security of our lives, our liberties, and our properties, is lodged in our English parliaments; and so gracious have your majesty's predecessors been, that, for the satisfaction of their people, they have made several laws, some for Triennial, some for Annual parliaments. Your majesty, by their example, upon the humble suit of your lords and commons, hath in a former session of this parliament, passed an act for Triennial meetings in parliaments; but in this your maj. hath exceeded all your predecessors, that, as your happy Restoration was in a Convention of parliament, so of your own accord, for the public good, and as a demonstration of your extraordinary love to parliaments, you have vouchsafed, ever since your return, to converse with your people in parliament; this being the 6th year, and the 6th session, of this present parliament.—The last time your maj, was pleased to speak to us, you commanded us to make ready all things you were to dispatch this session. In obedience thereunto, we have with all industry imaginable endeavoured so to prepare those matters that were before us, that your maj. and the whole nation may receive satisfaction in our dispatches. First, it concerned us to keep our words with your majesty, in finishing that Supply which we promised you for the carrying on the war, In order whereunto, I do here present unto your maj, this Bill of 11 Months Assessment upon our lands, to take place in a post-charge after the additional royal aid now current is expired, This act, together with the Poll Bill lately passed, we conceive, will fully make up the 1,800,000l. we promised to your majesty.-We must for ever with humility acknowledge the justice of God, in punishing this whole nation by the late dreadful Conflagration of London, We know they were not the greatest sinners on whom the Tower of Syloe fell; and doubtless all our sins did contribute to the filling up that measure, which, being full, drew down the wrath of God upon that city. But it very much reviveth us to behold the miraculous blessing of God upon your majesty's endeavours for the preservation of that part of the city which is left: Et fas est resurgere moenia Troja.' We hope God will direct your royal heart, and fortunate hand, in a few days, to lay a foundation stone in the rebuilding that royal city; the beauty and praise whereof shall fill the whole earth.-For the encouragement of this noble work, we have prepared several Bills: one, for the establishing a Judicatory, for the speedy determining all actions, and causes of action, that have or may arise between landlords and tenants, upon this sad accident, Though, I persuade myself, no Englishman would be exempted from making some offering if they do not discover all matters of fraud and cozenage.-The season of the year is very far spent, in which our enemies have got great advantages over us; but, by the grace of God, I will make all the preparations I can, and as fast as I can. And yet I must tell you, that if any good overtures be made for an honour lieve all suber men will be glad to see it brought to pass. I shall now prorogue you till towards winter, that you may in your several places intend the peace and security of your several countries, were there are unquiet spirits enough working. And I do pray you, and I do expect it from you, that you will use your utmost endeavours to remove all those false imaginations in the hearts of the people, which the malice of ill men have industriously infused into them, of I know not what jealousies and grievances; for I must tell to carry on this pious undertaking, yet the exemplary charity of your majesty's 12 reverend Judges is fit with honour to be mentioned before your majesty: they are willing to spend all their sand that doth not run out in your majesty's immediate service, of dispensing justice in their several courts to your people, in hearing and determining those cofitro-able peace, I will not reject them; and I beversies that may arise upon old agreements, and making new rules between owners and tenants, for their mutual encouragement in this glorious action. We have likewise prepared a Bill for the Regularity of the new Buildings, that they may be raised with more conveniency, beauty, and security, than they had before. Some streets we have ordered to be opened and enlarged, and many obstructions to be re'moved; but all with your majesty's approbation. This we conceive cannot be done with justice, unless a compensation be given to those that shall be losers: we have therefore laid an Imposition of 12 pence upon every chalder, and 12 p. upon every ton of coals, that shall be brought into the port of London, for 10 years, the better to enable the lord mayor and aldermen to recompense those persons whose grounds shall be taken from them.-Rome was not built in a day; nor can we, in the close of this session, finish the rules for the dividing of Parishes, rebuilding of the churches, and the ornamental parts of the city. These things must rest that we intended, till another session. But we know your maj. in the mean time will take them into your princely consideration, and make it your care that the houses of God and your own royal chamber be decently and conveniently restored.-And now, great sir, having thus happily finished the business of this session, we beg your majesty's leave that we may return to our own homes, there to put in execution the good laws which you have made, and to defend our several countries against all designs to disturb the peace of the nation. And we beseech Almighty God, who hath hitherto wonderfully preserved your majesty's person, and made you glorious in all your achievements, still to prosper your forces both at sea and land, till he hath made your maj. an asylum for all your friends, and a terror to your enemies both at home and abroad.' The King's Specch at the Prorogation.] After passing the said Bills his majesty made the following Speech; 66 My Lords and Gentlemen; I thank you for this other bill of Supply which you have given me; and I assure you, the money shall be laid out for the ends it is given. I hope we shall live to have bills of this nature in the old stile, with fewer provisos. I looked to have had somewhat offered to me concerning the Accompts of the Money that hath been already raised since the war; which since you have not done, I will take care (after so much noise) that the same be not stifled, but will issue out my commission in the manner I formerly promised the house of peers: and the commissioners shall have very much to answer, you again, and I am sure I am in the right, that the people had never so little cause to complain of oppression and grievances as they have had since my return to you. If the taxes and impositions are heavy upon them, you will put them in mind, that a war with such powerful enemies cannot be maintained without taxes: and I am sure that the money raised thereby comes not into my purse.-I shall add no more, but that I promise myself all good effects from your affections and wisdoms, where-ever you are. And I hope we shall meet again of one mind, for my honour, and the good of the kingdom. And now, my lord privy seal, do as I have directed you." Whereupon the Lord Privy Seal declared the parliament to be prorogued to the 10th of October. Principal Occurrences during the Recess.] The following is a short account of the prin cipal Occurrences which took place during the recess. "Charles began to be sensible, that all the ends, for which the war had been undertaken, were likely to prove entirely abortive. The Dutch, even when single, had defended themselves with vigour, and were every day improving in their military skill and preparations. Though their trade had suffered extremely, their extensive credit enabled them to levy great sums; and while the seamen of England loudly complained for want of pay, the Dutch navy was regularly supplied with money and every thing requisite for its subsistence. As two powerful kings now supported them, every place, from the extremity of Norway to the coasts of Bayonne, was become hostile to the English. And Charles, neither fond of action, nor stimulated by any violent ambition, earnestly sought for means of restoring tranquillity to his people, disgusted with a war, which, being joined with the plague and fire, had proved so fruitless and destructive. The first advances towards an accommodation were made by England. When the king sent for the body of sir Wm. Berkeley, he insinuated to the states his desire of peace on reasonable terms; and their answer cor responded in the same amicable intentions. Charles, however, to maintain the appearance of superiority, still insisted that the States should treat at London; and they agreed to make him this compliment so far as concerned themselves: but being engaged in alliance with two crowned heads, they could not, they said prevail with these to depart in that respect from their dignity. On a sudden, the king went so far on the other side as to offer the sending of ambassadors to the Hague; but this proposal, which seemed honourable to the Dutch, was meant only to divide and distract them, by affording the English an opportunity to carry on cabals with the disaffected party. The offer was therefore rejected; and conferences were secretly held in the queen-mother's apartments at Paris, where the pretensions of both parties were discussed. The Dutch made equitable proposals; either that all things should be restored to the same condition in which they stood before the war; or that both parties should continue in possession of their present acquisitions. Charles accepted of the latter proposal; and almost every thing was adjusted, except the disputes with regard to the Isle of Polerone. This island lies in the East Indies, and was formerly valuable for its produce of spices. The English had been masters of it; but were dispossessed at the time when the violences were committed against them at Amboyna. Cromwel had stipulated to have it restored; and the Hollanders, having first entirely destroyed all the spice trees, maintained, that they had executed the treaty, but that the English had been anew expelled during the course of the war. Charles renewed his pretensions to this island; and as the reasons on both sides began to multiply, and seemed to require a long discussion, it was agreed to transfer the treaty to some other place; and Charles made choice of Breda Lord Hollis and Henry Coventry were the English ambassadors. They immediately desired, that a suspension of arms should be agreed to, till the several claims could be adjusted but this proposal, seemingly so natural, was rejected by the credit of de Wit. That penetrating and active minister, thoroughly acquainted with the characters of princes and the situation of affairs, had discovered an opportunity of striking a blow, which might at once restore to the Dutch the honour lost during the war, and severely revenge those injuries, which he ascribed to the wanton ambition and injustice of the English.-Whatever projects might have been formed by Charles for secreting the money granted him by parliament, he had hitherto failed in his intention. The expences of such vast armaments had exhausted all the supplies; and even a great debt was contracted to the seamen. The king therefore was resolved to save, as far as possible, the last supply of 1,800,000l. and to employ it for payment of his debts, as well those which had been occasioned by the war, as those which he had formerly contracted. He observed, that the Dutch had been with great reluctance forced into the war, and that the events of it were not such as to inspire them with great desire of its continuance. The French, he knew, had been engaged into hostilities by no other motive than that of supporting their ally; and were now more desirous than ever of putting an end to the quarrel. The differences between the parties were so inconsiderable, that the conclusion of peace appeared infallible; and nothing but forms, at least some vain points of honour, seemed to remain for the ambassadors at Breda to discuss. In this situation, Charles, moved by an illtimed frugality, remitted his preparations, and exposed England to one of the greatest affronts which it has ever received. Two small squadrons alone were equipped; and during a war with such potent and martial enemies, every thing was left almost in the same situation as in times of the most profound tranquillity.De Wit protracted the negotiation at Breda and hastened the naval preparations. The Dutch fleet appeared in the Thames under the command of de Ruyter, and threw the English into the utmost consternation. A chain had been drawn across the river Medway; some fortifications had been added to Sheerness and Upnore-castle: but all these precautions were unequal to the present necessity. Sheerness was soon taken; nor could it be saved by the valour of sir Edward Sprague, who defended it. Having the advantage of a spring tide and an easterly wind, the Dutch pressed on, and broke the chain, though fortified by some ships, which had been there sunk by orders of the duke of Albemarle, (10th June). They burned the three ships which lay to guard the chain, the Matthias, the Unity, and the Charles the fifth. After damaging several vessels, and possessing themselves of the hull of the royal Charles, which the English had burned, they advanced with six men of war and five fire-ships, as far as Upnore-castle, where they burned the Royal Oak, the Loyal London, and the Great James. Captain Douglas, who commanded on board the Royal Oak, perished in the flames, though he had an easy opportunity of escaping. Never was it known,' he said, that a Douglas bad left his post without orders.' The Hollanders fell down the Medway without receiving any considerable damage; and it was apprehended, that they might next tide sail up the Thames, and extend their hostilities even to the bridge of London. Nine ships were sunk at Woolwich, four at Blackwall; platforms were raised in many places, furnished with artillery: the trained bands were called out; and every place was in a violent agitation. The Dutchsailed next to Portsmouth, where they made a fruitless attempt: they met with no better success at Plymouth: they insulted Harwich: they sailed again upon the Thames as far as Tilbury, where they were repulsed. The whole coast was in alarm; and had the French thought proper at this time to join the Dutch fleet, and to invade England, consequences the 6 |