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Letters from Windsor say that Mr. Feake, and Mr. John Simpson came thither on the Monday night before, brought by some Messengers of the Council, and no other company with them. The Governor is not well, but they were received prisoners there, where the old Judge Jenkins, the Welsh Judge, is also prisoner. They have sent Letters to their Churches to keep close together and wait upon God. They say now at Windsor that it is good to be wise as Serpents, as well as to be innocent as Doves. His Highness the Lord Protector had the business touching Sir John Lenthall, and the prison whereof he was late Governor, under consideration. The Lord Protector and his Council have passed an Ordinance which was this day published, appointing a Committee for the Army, and Treasurers at War, with full power and authority in full and ample manner, to all intents and purposes, as the former Committee had. The names of the Committee are as followeth, viz., John Clerk, Edw. Clud, Rich Lucy, rich. Horsman, James Philips, Edward Gill, John Hildesley, Jervas Bennet, Esquires; Cap. Adam Baines, or any three or more of them; And John Blackwel the younger, and Richard Dean Esqs; to be Treasurers at War. Ordered by his Highness the Lord Protector and the Council, That Thomas Rand, William Palmer, Robert Tarburrow, Nebemiah Rawson, William Harvey, William Welby Esquires, and the Mayor of Lincoln for the time being, be added to the Commissioners for the Monthly Assessment within the County of Lincoln. Philip Stansby for the County of Dorset, The Mayor of Banbury for the time being, for the County of Oxon, and Christopher Peircebay, Esq.; and Sir Robert Berwick Knight, for the County of York. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen of London having invited his Highness the Lord Protector to Dinner, on such a Day as his Highness would please to appoint, his Highness hath nominated Wednesday the eight instant to be the day for that purpose, and great preparations there are already making for that Feast. All Adventurers for Lands in Ireland, are desired to take notice, that the day for drawing of Lots for Baronies (being formerly appointed to be on Thursday the ninth of this instant February) is now by the Committee for Claims for Lands in Ireland (in regard of some special occasions intervening) ordered and appointed to be at Grocers hall London, on Thursday the 23 of this instant February, and to begin at eight of the clock in the forenoon of the same day. Will. Tibbs, Clerk. From the Isle of Wight 3 February came thus: Our fleet hath now set sail and put to Sea from St. Hellen's Point, they are divided in three Squadrons, but are not at so great a distance but that upon any occasion they can soon join into one entire body, there being Scouts appointed, who are to give notice upon any appearance of the enemy. From Deal 2 February thus. Here is little News at present; a good number of ships bound to the Southward, as also for several Ports of France, are gone from hence and from Dover. The French Picaroons do still haunt about these parts, and are often seen, and as soon as any of our ships set sail to give them chase, they get their own coast before they can come up to them, there being two at present who are riding in Calais Road. Edinburgh 1 Feb. Col. Morgan, marching from Aberdeen with 14 companies of Foot, and 8 troops of horse and Dragoons towards the Enemy, Glencairn and Kenmore the same day went out of Maryland toward the Hills, they burnt all the Lord Lothan's land (the Lord Brodie's Uncle) because he kept his house out against them in the late in-fall into the Earl of Athol's quarters at Dunkel: There were killed of the Scots, Cap. Robertson and Cap. Hunter, (a young Lord who attended Athol) the Laird of Baillacan, Maj. Mercer run into the body with a Tuck, and through the arm, it is believed he will not live; there were about 20 more slain and desperately wounded. The 23 instant Athol had a Rendezvous of the country at a place called Cairan two or three miles Northeast from Dunkel, but had a very slender appearance. Sir Arthur Forbs and Wogan lie ill of their wounds at Weems, Wogan is not likely to recover: Col. Hume with about 16 more out of the Merch of Berwickshire are this week gone to join with those in the Hills. From Newcastle 1 Febru. For news we have very little, only that which we suppose you have heard of, the intercepting a great many Letters that came from the Scotch Cavaliers to the Malignant party here, which are sent up to his Highness. The truth is, there is such continual meetings of the Cavaliers, that any may judge without the intercepting of Letters, they have great designs in hand. Here is much doing about the Quakers; they were at a place called Hasington on the Sabbath day, where there were such an hubbub that the Townsmen generally fell together by the ears, and did so exceedingly beat one another, that there were very few that went home without either face or head broke. I have sent you here the Profession of the false Jew I formerly wrote of, that had been of the baptised Church, and proved a popish Jesuited Impostor, to carry on the popish designs here, but upon discovery was cast out by them. Men, Brethren and Fathers, My purpose is to declare unto this Congregation, first my Descent and Education; and secondly, the great work of my Conversion. I verily am a man which am a Jew, of the Tribe of Judah, born in Mantua, a City in Lombardy, a Province of Italy, trained up in the Religion of my Fathers, and brought up in the choicest learning of my Country, and having attained unto eight languages, I betook me seriously to the study of Philosophy; where meeting with Plato (surnamed divine) Trinum per unum, Socrates, and Hermes Trimegistus, I found such light in the glorious Mystery of the Trinity, that I was wonderfully surprised and amazed; and the more, that Heathens should come to the knowledge of this most excellent Doctrine. O Lord, said I, how shall those Philosophers rise in judgement against us, who have more light, even sepher battorah, the Book of the Law? the former book rendered them inexcusable, but what will become of us, who have the revealed will of God? I had not gone three footsteps in this way, but I found Elohim in the plural number, compounded with a singular word Bara, created, upon which my meditation was much raised to admire this mystery; when passing on a little further, I met with Nangas haadam betrolmenu. Let us perfect man with our Image. Why Us? but that we should understand the plurality holden forth in the Creation: This drew my Meditations first towards the Christian's Messiah. But now Satan (the professed enemy of Christ, and of all that set their faces towards heaven) told me, that these were but fancies, and delusions of my own brain; shall the Heathenish Philosophers be a rule for my Religion? No I will follow the Law under which I was born and educated. Behold the power of Satan's snares, an behold the vileness of mine own heart, forsaking this blessed light, and rejecting all these holy motions, returning to my former old ways again. But here, through the goodness of God, I found no rest, but very much trouble, and anguish of spirit: But O the loving kindness of God! whose design graciously appeared to bring me to the knowledge of himself, even from our own way of worship. Our Doctors choose out a place to say every Morning and Evening; Shemang Israel Adonay Elobenu Adona echad. Hear O Israel, the the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Immediately upon this I find thrice, Elohenu, Jehovah, Jehovah, the Lord &c. O Brethren, I cannot express the heart-searchings and movings that were upon me at that instant, which with my former Meditations, engaged my soul in a firm belief of the blessed Three in One, which most sacred Trinity I do invocate as a witness of the sincerity of my heart, holding concurrence with my words. O Holy of Holies, Father, Son and Spirit, Searcher of the heart, and Tryer of the reins, be pleased to give strength and courage to avow thee; grant that my lips may enunciate truth, and deal with thy servant according to the integrity of his heart. After diligent enquiry of the Lord Jesus Christ, I did in heart confess him as the most high God, taking upon him our nature; but then Satan sets upon me with fresh and violent temptations, which caused me to break forth, O my soul, it's for thee I care; go I back to the Law, I lose thee, and thy case my body; go I forward to those that profess this Messiah, and behold gross and abominable Idolatry; look upward, and behold a just and jealous God, the punisher of it; Look about thee, and behold all thy friends ashamed of thee, and thy nearest relations cursing thee and the Messiah whom thou believest. But can this be the true Messiah, whose Disciples are so notoriously wicked, wallowing in all kind of sin, and woeful Idolatry? In the midst of these perplexities and distractions of spirit, I was almost swallowed up of despair. And while I thought of returning to the way of my Fathers, reading in the holy Scriptures, I discovered many gross untruths and corruptions of the Doctors; as concerning the incarnation of Christ, Behold a Virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, Isa 7.14, they render Gnalmah, a corrupted woman (which is no sign or wonder at all) namely, for a corrupted woman to conceive and bear a Son. So for the Sufferings of Christ, instead of raru, they digged, or pierced, they read caari as a Lion, that so they may cast a mist upon the true Messiah. And now the good hand of Providence brought to my view the Syriac and Greek Copies of Guideo Fabricius Boderianus, and by comparing these with the Law and the Prophets, I found all Prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ, without contradiction, which, through the goodness of God, raised me to a full resolution, Avoid Satan, the enemy of my soul, I will delay no longer, but fly to Christ; come Lord, the desire of my soul, lead me in the way of life. Now I resolved to leave my Country, and Friends, and to go over the Alps to find a people professing the true Messiah, not in legal ways, but in spirit and truth; for the Papists go on the same way that my own people do, altogether legally, ex opere operato, rest on the work done, and by their horrible Idolatry to Pictures and Images, are a grievous stumbling block unto the Jews, and were a great obstruction to my conversion. Coming into Germany, instead of finding comfort to my poor soul by communion with Christians in a spiritual way of worship, without human Traditions, I find their great Idol Consubstantiation, and many other Idols of their own Inventions; this is not Christ's way, I will not enter this way, no more of this. Lord what shall I do? I will not go without my business. Away I go to Hessen, where all are Calvinists; here Organs, Forms, and wicked Lives turned away my heart from them. So that from Hamburg I came into England, and while I was thus seeking Christ without, in the way and order of his holy Gospel, I found him also within, to the exceeding joy of my soul. Blessed be thou King Jesus; who lives in thy Saints by Faith communicating thy self through thine Ordinances: thou showest me my lost estate in Adam, and the only way of recovery in thy self. When we come to a sight of our own undone condition, then we see the necessity of a Saviour, and the danger of our souls without Christ, and then Christ lovingly clothes the poor sinner with the precious Robes of his own Righteousness. Fleshy Privileges entitles none to anything of Christ, Though I might, &c. Lord Jesus present me at the day of Judgement before the Father in these long white Robes, I disclaim all other coverings; whatsoever I counted gain before, I now count loss for Christ, yea, doubtless and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not, having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the Faith of Christ. Phil.3.7. And since my Lord Jesus hath appointed Ordinances for his people that have him within them, enthroned in their hearts, and that I am called upon to arise and be baptised. I do here avow the Lord Jesus my true Saviour, and I rejoice in thy Church and People, thy precious Saints, who do here walk through thy grace according to thy Rule and holy Commands. I do hereby solemnly vow thee my Lord and King, thy Saints and Ordinances; and now I heartily desire all the people of God to pray for me, that the residue of my days may be spent according to this beginning. O Lord Jesus who hath appointed Ordinances, and sufferings for those who shall reign with thee in glory, show the desire of my soul is to thee; do thou therefore convey the grace of Ordinances into my heart, that I may live to the honour of thy Name, as becometh thy professed servant, waiting for thy second coming. So come Lord Jesus and tarry not, Baruch Adonay lengoham vanged Amen ve Amen, Scripsit propria manu. B. Josephus B. Israel, Heb. Mant. By Letters from Holland came as followeth, (viz.) SIR, Not only the States of Holland, but the States General of Holland and Westfreezland, as I writ to you in my last, do concur for the Peace with England; but they have sent their opinions to the other Provinces, desiring their speedy concurrence therein with them. We have Letters from private friends that the Lords Laye had a meeting in Zealand upon the Message sent to them touching the Peace, and did resolve to be at the Hague, on the day appointed to ratify the Peace with the other Provinces, in case they do concur. The Province of Utrecht have also met, and there is a good correspondence by those Lords, in approbation of the Treaty of Peace with England, upon the terms signed and sent them from the Hague. But the Province of Freezland (a Province not much considerable) when they met about it, did break up without concluding anything; for one of the House of Orange is their Governor, and he used his interest to do what he could to hinder the Peace, but what shall be done upon their further meeting, or at the general Meeting of all the States General at the Hague at the time appointed, a short time will show. The day on which the States General of all the Provinces are to meet, is appointed the 10 of February four days hence, that is the last of January upon the English account, and then will the result of all be soon determined. But I assure you, I am verily persuaded there will be a sudden Agreement to a Peace; which will be the more hastened because they cannot believe that the Lord Beverling will prevail with the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland, for a Cessation of Arms, until there be a Conclusion; for there are so many ships both to go out, and also to come in, and in such danger that they are necessitated to hasten a dispatch. The French Ambassador here, made many addresses, and large offers to have the War continue with England, and that the French, King would contribute in all things half the charges; But that being weighed, it was thought not to countervail the losses they must necessarily suffer; and not to answer their expectation, which is getting of wealth, which must be by an open trade, and thereupon the French offers were refused. Yet the French Ambassador makes often addresses to the States, but what is done is kept still very secret, only they call it a congratulation of their Peace with England; but if it be about that, I suppose it is either to see if it may be hindered, or to get as good terms for France as may be on it. But they still go on preparing their new ships of War every day, the Workmen never ceasing, but on the Lord's days and all, all day long are at work for dispatch thereof with all possible speed. The Lord Newport is at Amsterdam. It was under consideration upon the agreement to the Peace to have sent the Lord Bredrode General of the Land forces to be the Ambassador either alone, or the Lord Updam Vice-Admiral of their Navy with him, But the Lord General (because of his age) seems to decline it, but what will be concluded by the States General at their meeting four days hence, I shall signify unto you by the first opportunity. But if there should not be a conclusion of Peace, truly I do not know what they will do; the Merchants are undone. The fishers cannot work, the poor can have no employment nor subsistence; And there must needs be a very great hubbub and distraction. But I do not hear of any Province that refuseth it, but only that of Freezland, and it is thought when they meet here, seeing the rest agree, that they will also concur. Hague 6 February (alias 27 Jan.) 1653. Anthoni Oetgens van Waveren. Dr. Niclaes Tulp. Dr. Gerrit Schaep. Jan Huydekooper. Hendrick Dirksz. Spiegal. Dr. Frans Banning Kock. Dr. Gerrit Schaep Pietersz. Albert Dircksz. Pater. Joris Backer. Cornelis Jacobsz. Weyer. Cornelis de Graef. Roel of Bicker Jacobsz. Dr. Cornelis Jan Wintz. Jan vander Pol. Dr. Gerrit Reynst. Bernart Schellinger. Simon van Hoorn. Pieter Kloeck. Dr. Cornelis van Dronkelaer. Lambert Reynst. Dr. Johan Blaeuw. Jacob van Neck. Cornelis Geelvinck. Dr. Gillis Valkenier. Cornelis van Ulooswiick. Niclaes van Loon. Dr. Gerrit van Helmont. Hans Bontemantel. Dr. Roetert Ernst. Dr. Hendrick Hudde. Gerrit Claesz. Hasselaer. Jacob Theunisz. Van Stralen. Judge Advocate, The Lord Cornelius de Ulamingh, Ridder, Lord of Outshoorn. Burgomasters. Dr. Frans Bannigh Kock Lord of Purmerlandien Yipendam. Cornelis Bicker, Lord of Swieten, Jan Huyderkooper, Ridder, Lord of Maarse-veen. Dr. Niclaes Tulp. Judges of the Upper Court, Mr. Simon van Hoorn. Dr. Johan Blaeuw. Barnart Schellinger. Dr. Frans Reael Pietesz. Dr. Cornelis van Dronckelaer. Dr. Gerrit Reynst. Niclaes Paneras, Hans Bontemantel. Treasurers, Cornelis de Graef, Lord of Zuyt-Polsbroeck an Ould-burgermeester, Niclaes Corver, an Ould Burgemeester. Judges for Wills, Orphans &c. Anthoni Oetgens Lord of Waveren, old Burgermaster. Ian van der Pol, old Burgermeester. Hendrick Dircksz. Spiegel. Albert Dircksz. Pater. Commissioners for Marriages, Cornelis van Ulooswick, Pieter Adriansz. Raep, Hendrick Hoost, Cornelis Abba, Jacob Jacobsz Rogh. Treasurers Extraordinary Niclaes van Loon, Jacob Valckenier. Commissioners for Accounts. Michiel Pancras. Dr. Johan Huydenkoper. Commissioners for the Assurance Chamber. Jacob van Neck, Jan Hulst, Jacob Servaes. Commissioners for the Bank, Munter, Jacob Bas, Pieter Trip. Commissioners for debts of 60 li. and under. Mr. Joris Backer. Jan van Waveren. Mr. Jochem Rendorp, cornelis Geelvinck, Mr. Jan Bicker, Dr. Wybout Slicher, Dirck Tulp. Commissioners for the Low Bank, Roel of Bicker. Jacobsz, Jacob Erans Hinlopen. Commissioners for Sea Affairs, Dr. Gerrit Schaep Pletersz, Gerrit Hasselaer, Jan van Hwlmont, Niclaes van Waveren, Dr. Jan Veneman. Commissioners for Bankrupts, Dr. Gerrit van Halmont. Dr. Roetert Ernst Roetersz, Dr. Pelgrom ten Grootenbuys, Gran van Waveren, Zacharias Roode. Pensioners, Mr. Coenraet van Beuningen, Mr. Pieter Voglesangh. Elesz, Pieter van Loon, Pieter Bas Pietersz. Secrataries, Bartholomeus Real, Jacob Bruyning, Mr. Pieter Hassler, Dr. William Backer, Mr: Jan Roetersz, Mr. Gerard Hulst, Lieve van Loon, Dr: Cornelius Backer, Dr: Jan Corver, Nicolaes Nicolai. General Blake, and General Penn are at St: Ellins, with the Fleet, some parties are sent out several ways: One Prize laden with Wine, and brought into Falmouth by the Falmouth Frigate, but taken by the Portsmouth Frigate. One Prize laden with Raisins, Figs, &c. taken by the Old Warwick, and brought into Falmouth, this ship supposed to be both a Man of War and a merchant man. One man of war of 20 pieces of Ordnance, and 70 men belonging to Flushing taken by the Sapphire. Two ships of St. Malloes which came from Marseilles laden with Soap, Oils, Almonds, Galls, &c. taken by the Portsmouth Frigate, and brought into Plymouth, the one of 14 guns, the other of 18 guns. Two small private men of War of 6 or eight guns a piece taken to the Northward. Letters from Spain say, that one of those who killed the Lord Ambassador Askome from England in Spain, getting away from the Sanctuary privately, was flying towards France, and is taken and brought to Madrid, and like to suffer there if they play with England. By Letters from Scotland came as followeth, (viz.) Dalkeith, 31 Jan. Sir, upon the march of Col. Morgan from Aberdeen, the enemy hastened their march out of Murriland towards Ross, and the Hills, so that Col. Morgan returned back to Aberdeen, but Major Knight's Cornet with a party of that Regiment took Glencairn's Captain Lieutenant, and 5 Horsemen, and sent them to Inverness. There being a small party Scotchmen who have formerly done good service in a smaller party, the Commander in chief gave them encouragement to raise about 40 horse, with which they have more advantage to come upon the enemy by their Scotch tone, than our forces have. Saturday last this party fell upon the Earl of Athol's guards, upon the Brays of Angus, and killed the first Scout, and went on and charged a guard of theirs, and killed 3 or 4, and then fell into another quarter, took a Captain Lieutenant and a Cornet, and 15 others prisoners, with 20 horse, and killed 9 or 10, and 2 or 3 days before Cornet Baily (who is Cornet to that party) sent in a Captain, and another Horseman prisoners to Dundee, and showed much resolution in the several charges given to the enemy. This day came an Ambassador from the great Duke of Turkanny to congratulate His Highness the Lord Protector. Two Agents made this day their Address to His Highness, from the Lord of the Isle of Amiland in Holland, about 9 English miles long, and some 3 or 4 broad, having upon it about 450 houses, to desire that they may be esteemed as Neutrals; and they have brought with them Credentials, and a List of the names of all their Ships and Fisher-boats, of which only four are Merchant ships, the rest Fisher-boats belonging to that Island, and they have delivered in also the marks of the said ships, that so none may deceive us by seeking for protection in their names, and they desire to be accounted as a Free State, having not been hitherto subject (as is pretended) to any Country. This day came a Letter from one or both the Ministers in Windsor Castle to His Highness, the Lord Protector. Plymouth, 4 Febr. Our Frigates towards the Land's end have done very good service of late in relieving sundry vessels and ships that were taken by the Brest men. A ship of above a hundred Ton, with some Iron guns in her, was stranded not far from Dartmouth, whose lading was Salt, and French built; she is seized on by the Vice-Admiral of this County for a wreck. A thousand stories are raised, (and daily discoursed off) upon the poor people, that go by the name of Witches in Cornwall, I think 20 are already committed as suspected, and more are daily detected; but the Lord deliver us from blood-guiltiness in this kind, our Manufacture here hath a quick vent upon the hopes of peace with the Dutch. I am glad to hear the Swedes are so kind to us, and hope, that if they be hearty, we may chastise the Danes and Dutch in case they juggle with us. The Benches in Westminster-Hall are no filling with able learned Judges. Those already are, Lord Chief Justice Roll, and Justice Ask for the Upper Bench. Lord Chief Justice St. John, Justice Atkins, and Justice Hale for the Common Pleas. Baron Thorp, and Baron Nichols for the Exchequer. And five new Sergeants are made, who are to be made Judges to fill the Benches, (viz.) Mr. Maynard, Mr. Steel, Mr. Windham, Mr. Newdegate, and Mr. Twisden. The Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal are the same that were. When in all likelihood both Armies, that of His Majesty's of Poland, and that of the Cossacks, should have come to a set battle, and so decided their differences, after that many of both sides have been killed and taken prisoners in a hot skirmish; there hath been an Address made to His Majesty by the said Cossacks, with the Advice and Counsel of the great Cham of the Tartars, to prevent further Bloodshed for a Peace. The Spaniards intending to besiege Willa Franca, Don Joseph de Margarete doth gather all the forces he can out of the Roussillan, to block it up. By an express from Poland, we receive advice, that the Peace between His Majesty and the Cossacks and Tartarians is concluded; that of both sides two great Lords were given as Hostages, till the Articles be ratified in the Assembly, which is to meet at Warsaw the next month. The conditions are, That the Tartarians shall receive five years of contribution, as arrears due to them by the King; and that Chimilinsky shall hold 6000 Cossacks at his service, thereupon His Majesty is come back to Warsaw. The Captain Geleyn Brandt hat brought here the 18 instant, an English Freebooter of 4 pieces of Ordnance. The 19 and 20 are also arrived here three Danish ships with Ammunition of War, the one of 200 lasts, the other of 150, the third was a Galliot; there is also come in a ship laden with 250 barrels of Wine. Those of Ostend have taken from our Fleet, though we be friends, and free, five laden with Cheeses and Soap, and other Commodities. There hath appeared a Comet Star to those of the Town of Prague, and the same is yet at this present seen by those of Regensburg. My Lord Whitlock, the English Extraordinary Ambassador, is feasted at the Queen's charges, with his whole suite, which consisteth of 100 persons, amongst whom there is four high Officers, four Pages, eight Footmen, two Trumpeters, one Doctor, two Ministers, two Coaches, and forty saddle Horses. They are highly esteemed here by the Swedes. The Hollanders have taken an English ship in these Seas, and have brought her hither. When the Lords States of Holland shall meet again, which is to be the 10 of this instant, that is January 21 by the English Account. We hope that all the other Provinces shall bring in their Resolves concerning the Ratification of the Articles, with the present Government in England. It is thought that the same shall be conform to the Resolutions of the Province of Holland (although some will say that there is yet somewhat that sticks) and some Embassy shall over us the liberty of the Seas. We heard that the Queen of Sweden hath written a Letter to Charles Stuart titular King of Scotland, at the instance of his Agent, wherein her Majesty doth excuse herself that the present condition of her Affairs doth not suffer her to give him satisfaction upon his Demands, intimating that she pities his misfortune. We have a confirmation of the Peace concluded between the King of Poland and the Tartarians and Cossacks: And it is said that an Ambassador is come to Upsall in Sweden from the great Duke of Muscovy, to make known that his Master is ready to declare the War to the said King of Poland, to which end he hath mustered 160000 men, he shall in all appearance move the Crown of Sweden to declare also against him. Yesterday there arrived here 140 Seamen which are come from England having been prisoners there, they have received conduct money, and shall be sent toward Amsterdam, having the most part of their Habitations there and in the Northern parts. Something was considered of in order to M. Gen. Brown's liberty. This day His Highness the Lord Protector, being invited by the City of London, dined at Grocers-hall; So soon as His Highness entered the Gate at Temple-Bar, he was met by the Lord Mayor and Aldermen on horseback; His Highness had the Sword delivered to him by the Lord Mayor, which was returned to the L. Mayor, and his Lordship being bare carried it before His Highness, who then came out of his Coach and rid through the City attended by the Aldermen, and His Highness's Life Guard, the Colonels, and chief Officers of the Army, and divers Lords, Knights, and Gentlemen in their Coaches following after. Two Gentlemen rid bare before his Highness. And there were Trumpeters, and the Heralds of Arms also, and other equipage very gallant and comely with 12 of his Highness's Footmen in grey coats and silver and black silk lace, and the streets were swept clean, and the Liveries of the several Companies stood on both sides the way in double Rails with blue cloth, and some with Carpets all the way: And at Temple-Bar the Balconies were hung with Carpets, and Hangings, and very great rejoicings in the City, and His Highness, and the Aldermen, and Colonels, &c. alighted in the Poultry, and went to Grocers-hall, and there dined: The Speeches, Carriage, and Deportment of them there, was also with much sobriety and civility, as is much applauded by those present at the same. And after dinner His Highness returned to Whitehall. The Bells in several parts of the City ringing, and people much rejoicing, and some met together praying. The Holy Order; or, Fraternity of the Mourners in Zion, Whereunto is added Songs in the Night, or Cheerfulness under Affliction, By Joseph Hall, B.N. Sold by Nath. Brooks at the Angel in Cornhall. The Arrow of the Almighty shot out of the Creature's Bow, against the uncalled Ministers in England, By George Baitman. The Knowledge of Christ indispensably required of all men that would be saved; wherein the Types, Prophecies, Genealogies, Miracles, Humiliation, Exaltation, and the Mediatorial Office of Christ, are opened and applied, By John Davenport, Pastor of the Church of Christ at Newhaven in New England. Generation Work, the second Part, wherein is showed, What the designs of God abroad in the world, may in all likelihood be at this present day, and in the days approaching; being an Exposition of the seven Vials. Revel.16. and other Apocalyptical Mysteries, By John Tillinghast, Minister of the Gospel. All sold by Livewell Chapman at the Crown in Pope's Head Alley. Festorum Metropolis, the Metropolitan Feast, or the Birthday of our Saviour Jesus Christ, Annually to be kept hily by them that call upon him in all Nations. Proved by Scriptures. The practice of the Church, Primitive and Reformed, and the Testimony of the Fathers, and Modern Divines, By Allen Blayney, M. A. late of Queen's College in Oxford. The Blessed Birthday celebrated in some sanctified Meditations on the Angel's Anthems, Luke 2. 14. Also holy Raptures in contemplating some of the most observable Adjuncts about our Saviour's Nativity, By Charles Fitz Geffry. Both sold by Stephen Chatfield in St. Danstam's Churchyard in Fleet Street. The right constitution and true Subjects of the visible Church of Christ, with its Order, Ordinances, Ministry, and Government, By Tho. Collier and unworthy servant of Christ. Sold by Henry Hills at the sign of Sir John Oldcastle in Pie corner. A Discourse touching the peace and concord of the Church; wherein is elegantly and acutely argued, That not so much a bad opinion, as a bad life, excludes a Christian out of the kingdom of Heaven, &c. A Twofold Catechism; the one simply called A Scripture-Catechism, the other, A brief Scripture-Catechism for Children, by John Biddle, M. A. of the University of Oxford. The Unknown Being of the Spirit, Soul, and Body, Anatomised. Wherein very many Scriptures falsely translated, and corruptly interpreted, are clearly Explained. By which, many Doctrines now taught that subvert the Faith of the Gospel, are discovered, by John Brayne. All sold by Richard Moon at the seven Stars in Paul's Churchyard, near the great North door. Newly published, An Examination of Mr. Baxter's Aphorisms of Justification; together with a Vindication of Justification by mere Grace, from all the Popish and Armenian Sophisms, by which the Author labours to ground it on Man's Works and Righteousness; wherein Mr. Baxter's Aphorisms are repeated and confuted, By John Crandon, Minister of the Gospel. Sold by Tho. Brewster at the Three Bibles in Paul's Churchyard, at the West end, and Livewell Chapman at the Crown in Pope's Head Alley. A Perfect Guide for a studious young Lawyer, both delightful and profitable for all Gentlemen, &c. Being presidents for conveyances, and collected out of the Labours of the Lord Coke, Lord Hobbart, Lord Richardson, Justice Haughton, Reve, Bacon, and Godfrey, by Tho. Fidel of Furnivals inn, Gen. Who at spare houses made it his study for above 30 years. Sold by John Place at Furnivals Inn Gate in Holborn. A young Black Nag near 14 handful high, with a small Star on his forehead, and a lock on his foot, lost out of a Pasture from Mrs. Henshaws of Kensington, near London, on Tuesday the 17 of January. If anyone shall bring intelligence of him thither, or to Mr. Wiseman's in the broad Sanctuary in Westminster, they shall be well rewarded. At Mr. Hickford's at the sign of the Angel in Cheapside, you may hear of Silk Ribbons, and Silk and Silver Ribbons, pieces of broken Plate, and Silver Spoons, which are supposed to be lost.
Severall Proceedings of State Affaires, Issue 228
Wintell200
From Tuesday, January: 17. to Tuesday, January: 24. 1653 The expectations of the discontented Party in this Nation are much disappointed, for they hoped there would be new troubles, and alterations in the Army, and elsewhere, but it hath pleased God that all things do appear more settled, and like a fair morning do promise a clear, and an unclouded day. The Officers of several Regiments, and in several Garrisons are very unanimous in signing the Address to the Lord Protector, which is in these words. Having for many years past been led under your Conduct, through many difficult Services, wherein through the blessing of God upon the vigilance, and endeavours of your Highness, we have in some measure been Instrumental in our places to free the Commonwealth from enemies. So we cannot but above all worldly things, most earnestly desire to see these Nations, after all the shakings which hath been in the midst of us, set up upon its' true, and proper Basis and Foundation, and thereby brought into a harbour of rest and safety. The sense whereof having led us to the consideration of what further might be our duties towards Your Highness, and the whole Nation at this time, when it pleased God to give us hopes of establishment, by inclining you to accept of the Government, and Protection of this Commonwealth; whereby we are persuaded that the liberties of the People, both as men and Christians (the true end whereupon the great controversy hath been stated) will through the mercy of God be assured: We judge it highly incumbent upon us to make our humble address unto you, and to declare that we shall not only be obedient unto you, in the performance of your great Trust; but in other places most faithfully, and diligently to the hazard of our lives, and whatsoever is near and dear unto us, be serviceable to you in the station God hath placed you against all opposition: Not doubting but as God and Man hath so highly entrusted you; So you will to the utmost of your power and endeavours lay forth your self for the glory of God, and the good of this People, amongst whom we have reason to think there are very many of the Household of Faith; over whom, we shall therefore further take his boldness most humbly to entreat Your Highness more especially to spread the wing of your protection, and to account of them as the apple of your eye, which you continuing to do. We are confident their Father which is in Heaven, will be unto you a Buckler, and a Shield, and an exceeding great reward, which is and shall be the prayer of Your Highness most humble, and faithful Servants. I made mention in my last that General Penn was in the Swiftsure which ship, though long in repairing, is now one of the bravest Vessels that ploughs the Seas. A Council of War was there lately called, concerning the Prize-money due unto Seamen, and Soldiers who have served at Sea in this last year's expedition, and it was ordered and Declared. First that all Seamen and Soldiers that have served in the Fleet in the three last Engagements against the Dutch, and shall list themselves aboard any of the State's ships, at or before the last of March next, shall have for their respective shares of Prizes, twenty shillings. 2. That such as have been in two of the said Engagements shall have thirteen shillings four pence. 3 That those who served only in one of the said Engagements, shall have six shillings eight pence. 4 That all such Seamen and Soldiers as have been disabled by sickness, or wounds received in the Service: As also the Widows of any such Seamen or Soldiers, slain in any of the said Engagements, shall have paid unto them their full shares of Prize money, viz: twenty shillings. 5 That such of the Soldiers that are now again entertained in the Army (having Tickets for their Prize money) do produce unto the said Commissioners a Certificate under the hand of the Captain, under which they now serve: As also a copy of the late Muster-Roll of the Companies to which they respectively belong, or in default thereof, a Certificate under the hand of the Mustermaster, testifying their being in the service; whereupon Order shall be given for payment of the shares of Prizes due unto them. John Dinbrow, George Monk, Robert Bake, Vin: Gookin, John Stone, John Clerk, Robert Blackborne Secret: It was further advertised from General Penn, that he hath examined some foreign ships which came into the River of Thames to find market for Deals, Pitch, Tar, Iron, Steel and other Commodities, these ships are three in number. 1. The Golden Mawken of Gothenburg, a ship laden with large Deals, Mats, Iron, Pith and Tar, of which Hans Renson is Master, which said ship is gone into Portsmouth to find market, she came in voluntarily into the Road. 2. The Katherine of Gottenburgh, having 18 Tons of Tar, 1200 great Deals, 11 tons of Iron, 100 great Spars, going into Portsmouth to find market, she came into the Road voluntarily, commanded by John Jorgorson the Master. 3. The ship called the St: John of Lubeck, having 7500 deals, and some Pipe staves, of which Joachim Nickmeger is Master, she is sent into Portsmouth to find Market, she came into the Road voluntarily. The St: John of Dantzig, a ship having in her 800 Pipe staves, about 10000 li. weight of Hemp, 12 Tons of Pitch, and 2 Tons of Tar, 600l. weight of Lead, 6000l. weight of Iron, 5000l. weight of Steel, which ship was bound for Nantz in France, (as was pretended, George Vosse is Master of her) which ship is at present in the Road of Portsmouth, desirous of demission rather than sale, she was met with at Sea, and there taken and sent in by the Adventure Frigate. The sad accident which happened lately at Charenton, some four miles from Paris down the River, was again this Day confirmed by several Letters from France, which was that divers Protestants, and some of great and eminent quality, having been at Church at Charington, the exercise of the Protestant religion being not permitted in the City of Paris, and not nearer than that place, on their return to Paris by water, they were no sooner in the Boat, but the Mill going, the violence of the stream did force them under the Mill, and the boat breaking, threescore of them were drowned, amongst whom were the Sons of the Miramnaut, and many others of Quality. There is great talk in France, that the Son of the Emperor of Germany who is called King of the Romans, shall marry the Queen of Sweden. The titular King of Scotland is for certain leaving France, and it is thought that he will go to Germany, to give thanks for, and to receive the annual contribution which the Princes do allow him. It is spoken in France, that the Peace between the two Commonwealths of England and Holland is concluded, and Monsieur Borsel the Dutch Ambassador in France, hath lately received Letters from Holland which do assure him of it. It is certified by Letters from Edinburgh, that they have been advertised from Aberdeen, that seventeen Dutch ships are arrived in the North, and hath bought with them two hundred Horse, great store of Arms, and fifteen hundred Soldiers. I must retract from an Error heretofore committed, when I gave unto you, that Lodowick the late Marquis of Huntley had left no Brother behind him. It is since informed that the Lord Marquis his Father had four Sons, and the youngest of them, Charles is yet alive, and Inherits the titles, and Possessions of his Father. It is also advertised, that he, and the young Earl of Montrose are gone unto the Enemy, who make their spoils, and devastations wheresoever they do come. I am desired to give notice, that if any persons concerned in the Probate of Wills, and Administration, do send for Commissions, they must return the same with speed, from time to time, to the Office at Star-chamber in Westminster, because the power of the Court doth expire the first of April next. Some ships have been brought into the West of England; the Hector Frigate took one which had in her three thousand cheeses, the ship belongeth to Amsterdam. A private Man of War hath also brought in a ship of Rotterdam, laden with Fish and Cheeses. A squadron of our fleet plying up and down at Lands end, the Pirates are very quiet. This day was the Gaol delivery at Newgate, 8 were hanged, 6 men, and 2 women, two of them for ravishing young Girls, the rest for Robbery One of the Women was hanged for bewitching two children, and the Mother of them. The Woman was bewitched to an extreme costiveness in her body and repairing to a Doctor, he told her that she was bewitched, but if his physique wrought with her, it might peradventure cure her, he directed her to make a cake, and to knead it with her own water, and to eat it, using a form of words, which he gave her in writing. This counsel being followed, she became as it were distracted and in a strange manner, entering into the Witch's House, she demanded her Picture, and the pictures of her children, which she carried home, and burned, but she did thrust a hot iron into the breast of her own picture, and presently afterwards she felt herself went orderly to stool, when she was bewitched, she had also a grievous pain in her side, and back, and she found that in those places of her Body where she was pained, the pictures also had holes pierced in it. The Woman that was bewitched brought this picture, and showed it to the Justices on the Bench. She would have received the Sacrament with a gathered Church, but it being denied, because she was reputed to have bewitched such a Woman, and her children, she denied the fact, and appealed to her God for her innocence; being asked who was her God, she said the God of the World, and wished she might never speak if it were not false, and desired that her God would show some eminent judgment on her if it were true, whereupon she presently was struck lame, and dumb, and so continued till the Rope deprived her of all possibility of speaking again. The trial of the Brother of the Portugal Ambassador is put off until the next Sessions. It is advertised from Scotland that the Countries there are generally in a great distraction concerning the Levies to be raised by the Highlanders. Those in Commission for the Commonwealth requiring them (as great reason there is for it) not to be assisting to the Levies directly or indirectly, as they would not be deemed public Enemies, and proceeded against as such to the utmost extremity. Glencarn on the other side who calls himself Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces within the Kingdom of Scotland, requires them to give obedience to his Orders, or else they shall suffer as disloyal Subjects, and professed Enemies to the advancement of his affairs. In these commands full of danger, and contrariety, the amazed People know not what to do, but receiving counsel from the danger, they comply with the English, who are the stronger part, though their hearts are with the weaker. However it is affirmed that the Highlanders do carry such an influence on them, that they do increase in their Levies, their musters being made more numerous by the access of the Marquis of Huntley, and the Marquis of Montrose. The Highlanders fall often down in the Lowlands, after their accustomed manner, and having plundered the Countries, return with more than ordinary speed, for fear of being circumvented. It is certified by Letters from Hamburg, that ten of our Merchants, laden with commodities from the East-Indies, are come safely to Gothenburg, five of our Frigates are there, as a Convoy to them. The eight Frigates commanded to ply about the Lands end, and to guard the Channel, are come in again, another part are sent out to be upon Duty in their places, General Penn is still riding at Ellen's point, not far from Portsmouth. There hath been a conflict betwixt the Inhabitants of the Bishopric of Leige, and the Forces of Conde, and Lorraign, who have possessed themselves of two small Towns, and have Quartered themselves therein. This morning it was advertised again, that the King of France hath for the present made a stop of all English ships in the Harbours of France. The titular King of England is for certain as yet in France, whatsoever is whispered to the contrary. Prince Rupert hath been so fortunate this Christmas at play, that he hath won twelve thousand Crowns of some of the Lords of that Kingdom. It is most certain that some Gentlemen who belong to the titular King of Scotland have wrote to their Wives in England, to make their peace for them with his Highness, having now lost all hopes of preferment by their young Master, and yet (they say) they felt there no want, but of the air only of their Native Country, and of their Companies. Every street in this City, and the Exchange it self is full of the News of Peace with Holland, nay some are so bold, they will tell you what are the very Articles, but there is nothing certain of it. But on the contrary, General Blake who hath the Seamen's hearts, and lost his blood with them is gone down to Portsmouth, and will be in a readiness to put forth to Sea. It is said that the Queen of Sweden did ride in great magnificence about a mile from her Court, to give a meeting to our English Ambassador but this I have received from the tradition only of report. It is most certain that some Tories amongst the Irish have broken forth again, and do much mischief. Being demanded some months a go, to deliver up their fire-arms, they murmured themselves into a conspiracy, being resolved to lay down their arms, and their lives together. An unhappy accident lately fell out in the Isle of Ely; Some Gentlemen distasting the Drink, of the Inn, sent to Wisbitch for Wine. Another company of Gentlemen in the said Inn understanding it, desired to partake of their Wine, whereupon a Bottle was sent, but some sinister interpretation being given to it, a curious desire possessed one of the Gentlemen that sent for the Wine, to see who were those that desired it at the Inn, whereupon he took one of his Friends with him. Being come together, they fell from words to blows, the candle being struck out, one Mr: Mallory was killed, which was presumed to be done by one Mr: Dymonds who is fled, which adds to the suspicion, and the Gentlemen upon his Death did charge the said Mr: Dymonds with it. The other is in durance for the Fact. A Declaration came forth to Day, that it shall be treason for any man to speak, or write against the Lord Protector. The stopping of all English ships in the Ports of France. The Peace with Holland uncertain; and General Blake for certain putting forth to Sea. The report of the Queen of Sweden in her own person meeting the English Ambassador in great magnificence. The Declaration of General Penn to the Seamen and Soldiers. The Highlander's new plundering, and increasing their Levies by the access of the Marquis of Huntley, and the Earl of Montrose. And much mischief done in Ireland by the straggling Tories. Treason for any to speak or write against the Lord Protector.
The Weekly Intelligencer, Issue 200
FScout166
☞ The apprehending of some more of the Conspirators against His Highness the Lord Protector, and the present Government. The wracking and breaking One upon the Wheel, with this Inscription written upon a Stake by it; An Example to all those who will imitate such a Traitor. Also, the French King's sending over Mons. Nieusville to his Highness the Lord Protector, to desire that his Majesty and his Subjects may be comprehended in the Articles of Peace between England and Holland. A bloody Fight between the English and the Highlanders near Aberdeen, and the routing of Glencairn's Army consisting of 2000 men, and the pursuing of them seven miles; Also the advance of his Excellency the Lord Henry Cromwell and divers other Noble Commanders for Ireland; Together with the dispersing of the Dutch Fleet of Fishermen, and taking of their Convoys: And an Order of the States of Holland, commanding all the Shipping in the Unites Provinces to be ready about the beginning of March next. From Friday Febr. 17, to Friday February the 24. 1654. London, Printed by Robert Wood; to prevent all false Copies. Her Majesty the Queen of Sweden having had news of the Change in England, received His Highness's Credentials with all willingness; and His Excellence the Lord Whitlock hath had two meetings with the Grand Chancellor, and satisfied him concerning his power to conclude and determine things; they went over the Articles in general, and there was nothing seemed dubious or controversial, which His Excellency left unsatisfied; and we may confidently be assured, that after time hath ripened their debates, we shall receive an an- contentment and good of this Nation. The last Week I gave you notice of a dangerous plot that was discovered against His Highness the Lord Protector, and this present Government; and how the Conspirators were apprehended at Master Amp a Vintner his House, dwelling at the sign of the Ship in the Old Bailey; they have since been examined before the Lord Protector and his Honourable Council, from whose Confessions may be gathered, that their Grand Design was; 1. That each Conspirator should take an Oath of Secrecy, not to discover any part or parcel of their intended Design. 2. That none should be trusted in this design, but such as should be adjudged absolute Royalists, and true friends to their titular King. 3. That so many persons should be engaged for Officers to an Army as should undertake for the private listing of 30000 men to be ready to rise at a time appointed. 4. That this design should be acted in all the several Counties of England at once. 5. That one party at the time appointed should fall upon his Highness, and murder him and his Lifeguard and others about him, as also the Garrison at St. James. 6. Another party were to seize upon the Tower of London. 7. That when all this should be acted, their titular King, Charles Stuart, should be in a private place in the City of London, and be brought forth and presently crowned, and proclaimed King, and Proclamation sent forth into all parts, That Charles Stuart, eldest Son of the late King, was Crowned King, &c. offering pardon to soldiers and all others that would come in. 8. That this design might be carried on with the better Judgement, and according to the Instructions they received from time to time from their titular King, they made choice of four persons of eminency, to carry on this trust. But it pleased God to touch the heart of one of those four who with a troubled spirit came and discovered this design to the Officers of the Army, and where some of them would be at such a time; whereupon Lieutenant Colonel Worsley, and other Officers went and apprehended these persons following at the Ship Tavern aforesaid: M. Thomas Dutton, Mr. Joseph Sawyer, Mr. William Jenkins, Mr. John Archer, Mr. Thomas Burce. Mr Joseph Parker, Mr, Roger Lee, Mr. Thomas Rosse, Mr. Christopher Watkins. Captain Smith, Mr. Peter Middleton. Mr Roger Cotes. Charles Stuart, The titular Duke of York, Prince Rupert, Major General Massey, Major General Middleton, Alderman Bruce, Lord Loughbrough. Lord Byron, Sir Thomas Sands, Sir Thomas Armstrong, and many others. His Highness the Lord Protector and his Honourable Council considering that some things contained in the former Act for Treason, might appear dubious so some people's Understandings, have caused an Ordinance to be published for the Explanation of Treasons: A true Copy whereof is here inserted. Whereas by an Ordinance, Entitled, An Ordinance declaring that the Offences therein mentioned, and no other, shall be adjudged High Treason within the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland, it is, amongst other things, Ordained and Established, That no Matter, Fact, Crime, or Offence whatsoever, other than such as are therein mentioned and expressed, should be deemed, taken, or adjudged High Treason; and whereas some doubts and question may arise, whether that Clause in the said Ordinance doth not extend to the Offences mentioned in the instrument, entitled, The Government of the Commonwealth of England, and Ireland, and the Dominions thereto belonging, and which are thereby declared to be High Treason; For clearing thereof, and removing all scruples thereupon, his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice of his Council, doth Declare and Ordain, That neither the said Ordinance, nor thy Clause or thing therein contained, shall extend or be construed, adjudged or taken to extend unto all or any the Offences declared by the said Instrument to be high Treason, but that all and every the said Offences are hereby adjudged, and shall be adjudged, taken and deemed to be High Treason, and that all and every the said Offender and Offenders, shall suffer the pains and penalties of High Treason, the said Ordinance, or anything therein contained to the contrary, in any wise notwithstanding. The last Letters from our fleet, speak about 80 sail to be upon the Coast of France, and besides them there be about 15 broad in squadrons, and as Scouts who have brought in 8 prizes. The main fleet of the Dutch is not yet heard of abroad, though we have intelligence they are very strong, part of our Fleet are going Northward yet not so but they can join again in few hours if occasion be, but we are now for Peace, yet prepared for war. From Newcastle they write, that costs are likely to be plentiful at London, for they have little to do there, but dig and send them away as last as shipping comes thither for them. Three English Regiments are newly marched into Scotland ( others went before them) and shortly you will hear the Highlanders have made the most of their game this winter, and will be forced to keep the Rocks and Hills in the summer, for all the brags of Middleton, and the aid they are permitted from the other side of the water. The Lord Hastings hearing he was named to be suspected (as I have formerly mentioned in the precedent List) hath been with the Council to clear himself. Some others are apprehended, and some Apprentices run away, and left Bills with their Masters for the moneys they have taken. This day the two Deputies from the Governor of Amiland dined at his Highness's, at the Cock-pit, with great entertainment. This day we received intelligence, that on Thursday the 9 of Febr. Col. Morgan with a party of 1200 Horse, Foot, and Dragoons, engaged Glencairn and Kenmore's Army (given out to be 2000) at a Rendezvous which they had that day at the head of Cromar 16 miles from Aberdeen; and though the Enemy had the advantage, after a little dispute they were totally routed, and pursued seven miles in the Hills. Kenmore had left a garrison in Kildrumming (the Earl of Mar's Castle) which our men were then marching against. Since this we have news of Captain Motlows marching out of the garrisons of Dunstaffnage and Dunnolly with a party out of those two garrisons, and that he fell upon the house Archchetton in Lorn in Argyllshire, and took it with all the men, arms, and Ammunition in it: He killed three, and afterwards (that it might not harbour any more of those wild Cattle) fired it. Since which Lieut. Col. Cotterel marched out of Glasgow to reduce the Garrison of Rosdew near Loch Lomond, and before he came near it, the Enemy ran away, and left word they had no order to fight. We heard also yesterday, that Brokie Cap Lieut. to Col. Wogan, is dead ; and the Earl of Atholl (that fires and burns men's corn and houses) threatened to shoot Holland the to death, for not curing Wogan and Brokie. Some of these Blad and tend to desire liberty to live peaceably, and no doubt long they will betray one another into our hand. Col. Cooper sent to , party of 100 foot, and about 100 horse and dragoons to Dunbarton, and on the advantage of this dry weather, they had a party of about and 100 horse in ; but upon our approach they are fled without pass, though they might have done it with great advantage, and out of great quit their garrison, and carried away the iron gates of 1. Jac b Mr of the St. David 2000 Holland , 800 , 200 , taken by Captain Francis Commander of the Frigate. 2. Jose taken by Capt. John Commander of the Nightingale Frigate. 3. 120 Tonnes, , taken by Capt. Commander of the Adventure Frigate. this from the Hague Feb 20. This day sent by the Protestant Cantons of Switzerland to mediate a Reconciliation between the two Commonwealths of England and the United Provinces, who hath formerly resided long at London, is arrived here. The Freebooters de Haen hath brought in three ships taken upon the coasts of Scotland, two laden with coals, and a Flute laden with salted Salmon and other Goods. The last Sunday arrived here an express from London, with Letters from the Lord Beverling to the Lords States General. The Provinces of Zealand, Utrecht, Freezland, and Overijssel; first brought into the Lords States General their Resolution upon the Ratification of the Articles of Peace, and according to the resolution of the Lords States of Holland, approved of, and ratified them. The next day the same was done by the States of Gidlerland and Gronning. Insomuch that it is generally hoped that the Treaty shall very shortly be brought to a full conclusion, and some Ambassadors go speedily for England, only altering some things in the Articles proposed and signed by the Deputies of both sides in England. One Willebort Bosse inhabitant of Flushing, coming lately from the Caribde Islands with a small vessel of six pieces of Ordnance laden with Tobacco and other like commodities, and having about the Canaries met with an English vessel of 3 or 4 pieces only, laden with Spanish Soap, and other Goods, esteemed to the value of 2000 l. Flemish, hath taken and brought her to Rochel. There was also 4 or five days ago by Captain Oliv. Danielle brought in a prize worth 20 or 24000 Gilders. And three days ago one Captain Lembrant, who hath taken five prizes with Coals, and amongst them a Flute called the Elephant, formerly taken by the English, Captain John and another Freebooter had taken two prizes from the same Fleet, but they were parted by storm and misty weather, and so they lost them again. Letters from Hamburg certify, that they begin to conceive great hopes of the Treaty between England, Holland, and are such rejoicing at the good success of that Negotiation. There are great preparations made by sea in Denmark. We hear from Frandenburgh that over against Leazer there in the sky a star of an extraordinary brightness with streams round about. And from in the Country thereabouts there is so infinite a number of of all colours, and of other like bred out of corruption, that it is feared they will eat up the fruits of the earth, spreading all that Country over even as far as Brunswick. The Letters from Ludow, certify, that Major Gen. Brown is discharged of his long imprisonment there, and is coming up towards London, where doubtless he will not be wanting of returning thanks to his Highness the Lord Protector and his Council, for being more just and merciful unto him than those that committed him. From Dartmouth thus: Here are two ships laden and have hoisted sail this week for the Canaries and from thence to the Barbadoes, I pray God send them a prosperous voyage; we hear of more mischief done by the Brest men of War on these coasts, they have taken two English ships very lately and have driven another into a small harbour on the coast of Cornwall, which was in great danger to be taken. It is advertised from Scotland, that several parties of the enemy falling down into the Lowlands in several parties have been taken by our Forces; four of Glencairn's own Troop have been taken, and eight horse, his Lieutenant, whose name is Rutherford hardly escaped. There are a considerable party of the Highlanders not far from St Johnstons, who are very active since the drawing our horse Northwards, but upon the coming of two Regiments more from England, our Horse will be so disposed of, that the Highlanders will be met with in all places; it being impossible for them to move in the Lowlands, but we shall be at their heels to pursue them, or in the front to oppose them. But as the numbers of the Highlanders begin to decrease, so doth their courage, 10000 of the Arms, with other Ammunition and utensils of War, being sunk with the ship that brought them on the coasts of Scotland. I am informed that the titular Scotch King sent lately unto Holland, desiring the transportation of some thousands of Soldiers and Officers which he had got together: and that from thence a Dispatch immediately was made to the King of Denmark, to see what assistance he could get there. The Scots continue that plunderings in parties, and oftentimes come short of home. It is certified, that it is impossible for the Highlanders to have any considerable Body of Horse in the field until the middle of May. The long expected Ambassadors from Holland are not yet arrived. Our fleet consisting of fourscore and eight gallant ships are put forth to sea. The Sovereign is making ready with all possible speed at Portsmouth; so are the Rainbow, the Resolution, and the Andrew at Chattau. Several prizes are brought in, some belonging to France, and some to Holland. Mr. Feak and Mr. Powel have made Addresses for their liberty. The Brother to the Portugal Ambassador is this Week to be tried in the Old Bailey. More of the Conspirators were apprehended, of whom I shall shortly give you a further Account. Was published, An Ordinance, touching the Assessing, Levying, and Collecting of the latter three months' Assessment, appointed by an Act of the late parliament, entitled; An act for an assessment at the rate of 120000 l. by the Month (for six months) from the 25. of December 1653, to the 24 of June then next casuing, towards the maintenance of the Armies and Navies of this Commonwealth. Wherein, High Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice and consent of his Council doth Declare and Ordain, that in case the way or manner of Assessing the said latter three Months' Assessment by a pound rate, in such sort as is prescribed by the said Act, shall prove prejudicial, and obstructive to the bringing in the said latter three Months' Assessment appointed by the said Act, by the time in the said Act for that purpose limited, That then, and in all such cases, the commissioners in any of the cities, counties, towns, and places in the said Act mentioned where such obstructions shall be or happen, shall appoint a general meeting together, and the major part of them meeting, may, and are thereby authorised (for the removal of such obstructions, and the more speedy and effectual execution of the said Act) to proceed according to the most just and equal way of Rates held in such places in the proportioning, levying and assessing the respective sums charged upon them; anything in the said Act to the contrary thereof contained in any wise notwithstanding. The Tories under Morlagh O Brian, who began to make a new bustling in Ireland, finding it impossible to subsist in their contumaciousness, have submitted; and having laid down their Arms are to be transported into Flanders, for the service of the King of Spain. In Whitechapel below the Church, over against the Stile that goes to Stepney, in Trumpet yard, dwells L.M. Student in Mathematical Physic, who cureth the Tysick and Cough of the Lungs, the swelling of the Spleen, and deafness of the ears, pestilent Fevers, and all sorts of Agues, of which cure he never failed; with other diseases incident to men. Also, he cureth perfectly all diseases peculiar to women, or their Sex, be they either Chronic or Acute; and hath cured many that have been thought to be past cure. If you enquire at the white Lyon in Whitechapel; or at the Angel in Cornhil near the Royal Exchange, they will direct you to him. There is lately extant, The History of New England, from the English planting in the year 1628. until the year, 1652. Printed for Nathaniel Brook, and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Angel in Cornhil. Captain Foster, and Captain Pack, Commanders of the Phoenix and Amity Frigates, on the 12 of Febr. fell amongst the Dutch Fishermen, and after a sharp conflict between them and their Convoys, took two Men of War that guarded them, and forced the Fishermen to draw up their nets, and leave their labour. We lost but one man, but the Dutch very many, and their ships so pitifully shattered, that nothing belonging will be of use except it be for firing, unless it be their Guns and Cables. The Lord Henry Cromwell (with divers other well experienced Commanders) is dispatched for Ireland, with Recruits for filling up of the Regiments, and settling that Nation. The French Letters certify, that the Duke de Longueville, is by his Majesty's order arrived in Paris, and hath left his command in Normandy to be present at the Prince of Conde's Process. There is no doubt nor scruple made there of the agreement between the Commonwealth of England and the United Provinces; and this Court would fain find some way to be comprehended in the Articles of Peace, and to that end his Majesty of France is sending over Mons. Nieuville Ambassador to the Lord Protector, to intimate unto his Highness the Lord Protector, and his honourable Council, the desires of the French King, and the Peers of France, to enter into amity with the Commonwealth of England. The 15 instant old style, the Prince of Conti was espoused to Cardinal Mazarine's Niece, which was celebrated with extraordinary Ceremony, viz. Balls, Masking, Prays, and the like Courtlike Pastimes. The Cardinal hath bestowed upon them one hundred thousand Escu's down, and the next year hath promised as much more. The Ambition of the Court Ningles is now to study who shall first win the favour of the Prince to feast with them, and then strive one to exceed the other to their own tune which hath constantly been the course of Flatterers, not only to Princes, but their Favourites. And to crown the Courtiers' happiness, news was brought on the 17 instant, that Beffort was taken by the Marshal de Seneterre. Charles Stuart with his Train are leaving of this place to try their fortunes in some other Countries. And Monsieur Duresteste, one of the chiefest Authors of the tumults of the City of Bordeaux, was cracked and broken upon the Wheel at Bordeaux; and his head to be set upon a stake, and this Sentence written underneath; An Example to all those who will imitate such a Traitor in Rebellion. The Hollanders are troubled, because the Lord Beverning hath not procured a Cessation of Arms; and some reason they have for it; For the last week we took nine ships laden with Wines near Ostend, and four going to Middlesbrough with Spice: Upon the hearing of which, the States ordered, That all the shipping that they could make, should be ready against the beginning of the next March. and entered according to the late Act for Printing.
The Faithful Scout, Issue 166
PerfAcc166
Letters intercepted in Scotland sent up to London, and Lieu. Gen. Middleton's joining with Gen. Glencarn, with 16 loads of ammunition, and the names of the Officers and Commanders, which he brought with him into Scotland. The proceedings betwixt the L. Lisle, Maj. Gen. Lambert, Sir Gilbert Pickering, & the rest of the Commissioners with the Ambassadors of Holland, concerning the treaty of peace. And letters from Amsterdam touching the Orange party, and other transactions. The L. Protector's order for the Commanders of the Army to repair to their several charges. The great ship built at Wollage was lanced (for length she exceeds the Royal Sovereign 6 yards) she is falling down towards Gravesend in stately Equipage, and it is said that our whole Fleet will very speedily have a Rendezvous upon the Downs; in order whereunto Gen. Desborow, and Gen. Monk are now at Chattam, shipping of land soldiers, yet doth the treaty with the Holland Ambassadors go on here, and the Articles will suddenly be engrossed, and after that is done, we shall very suddenly know what will be the issue of all that hath been treated of. An Ordinance is preparing for the Trial and approbation of Ministers; and thirty Commissioners (Ministers and others) will be appointed to put them in execution: but the power extends only to the trying of such Ministers as have been admitted within these six months last past, or that shall be admitted hereafter. From Paris, March 12. Since the surrender of Beffort, the Court have assailed Count Harcourt with new temptations for a surrender of what he holds in Alsatia, and the Marshal de la Ferte Seneterre hath instructions sent him for that purpose; but it is apprehended he will never trust the Court, nor the charms of the Cardinal. The Prince of Conti, and his new Princess the Cardinal's Niece, have spent their days hitherto in Balls and Feasting among the great ones, at which solemnities both the King and Cardinal have made all possible expressions of mirth and contentment. The Lady is one of much beauty, and considering her husband's stature, may soon look over his shoulder, in such an active Court as this is. The Cardinal keeps servants of his own about him, that as Policy and Interest made this wonderful match, so Policy may keep it, till personal and State jealousy do chance to break it; for, it is thought and said already, there is not much affection, nor confidence on either side. The popularity talk of a prodigious sum appointed for the Lady's Portion, and they have most reason to talk (though they seldom hit right) because it goes out of their purses, whatever it be. It is not liked, that so many persons interest in the City, should be visiting of Conti, where it is not known what his and his brother Conde's interest may yet effect, notwithstanding the late marriage, it being no new thing here, if the highest designs of malice should break out at, or after a wedding. His brother the Prince of Condi, is preparing to make work at Spring. This little cloud upon the Frontiers may chance to gather now that the D. of Lorrain, his great Rival and Competitor in the Spanish Interest, is laid in Limbo: for he was the great impediment to the Prince's designs, having (as he is charged) been tempering with France, to the prejudice of the affairs both of Spain and Condi, but being removed, and his Army disposed into the hands of his younger brother, Francis of Lorrain, a person not so debauched nor odious, but more firm at the devotion of the Spaniards, it is supposed they may be able to go on the more current in their designs upon this Kingdom. And in Flanders they are very forward in their preparations already; Marshal Furen hath issued out Orders for putting of the Army with all speed, into a convenient posture to prevent them. Dover the 9 of March, by a small Barque come this morning from France, we hear that a great Fleet of Dutch Merchant men, consisting of about 140 Sail is gone to the Westward, sailing close by the Coast of France, and having a fair wind, it is like they have passed without interruption from our Fleet, whom we hear is still near St. Helen's point, this Dutch Fleet hath a convoy of about 60 sail of men of War, but they are to be divided, the Merchant ships being bound to several Countries and Ports: we are expecting some ships from Dunkirk, and Ostend, but as yet they are not arrived. Lieth the 4 of March 1653. Since my last there is certain intelligence come of the landing of Middleton at the Ferry of Uney in Southerland, on Monday was sevennight, about 12 of the clock at night in an Hoy, in which was some Arms: there came with him Sir George Munroe, the Lord Nappier, Tho. Dyell, Aldermen, Major Gen. Dyell, Lodowick Drumland, and above 100 more. The vessel was unloaded, and sent away the next morning. They sent 40 of their men or thereabouts, up to Achness with 8 or 10 Horse load of Arms, the rest they carried along with themselves, and go up Strach fleet, towards Assigne. It is reported there is another Ship loaded in Strathnemer with Arms, but no men, they speak of meeting with Glencarn in the Brays of Murray, where they are to have their Rendezvous and from thence to press all the Countries of Rise. It was this day advertised by Letters from the North, that the Dutch Freebooters, have taken six or seven small vessels which came from Sunderland, and caused another to run ashore near Hartlepool. A Freebooter of Enchuysen hath lately taken the Merchant's ship, called The Chestnut Tree of Amsterdam, which had been taken by our ships not far from Ulie. There is arrived at Uly a Fleet of 140 sail, which came from the Eastland, a great part whereof are come to Amsterdam, and the rest to several other Ports in that Country, their lading is chiefly corn, and divers other materials for the setting forth of ships. By Letters from Deal it was advertised, that on Thursday last another Fleet of Merchants belonging to the Dutch, consisting of about 150 did steer Westwards, they sailed close by the Coast of France, and had a fair wind which was the reason that our Fleet lying near St. Helen's point, could not so suddenly discover them, nor easily overtake them. This Dutch fleet had a fear they should be surprised in their passage, they had therefore a strong convoy with them consisting of 60 men of War, but having brought them beyond the danger which they feared, a great part of them returned the same way they came, the others did go along with the Fleet, being bound to several Ports lying on the Western seas. In the meantime we make great preparations for completing our Summer's Fleet, 1000 private soldiers besides Seamen were on Monday last drawn out of the 4 Regiments about London, and sent on shipboard. Gen Desbrow, and Gen. Monk, and the Commissioners of the Admiralty are at Chattam; The Pressed men are put on board, and many soldiers of the Army: the Dutch having added 60 new Frigates to their Fleet, so you see what readiness the Fleets are in on both sides; and if a Peace should not be concluded, it is likely that the greatest blow would be struck that hath been yet, but it is thought there is not any question now of a full agreement. His Highness the Lord Protectors Council had under consideration the taking down of Paul's to prevent the danger of the falling of itself, for that the cracks in the roof increase and wax greater, and much more is newly fallen where that formerly did, near the great fourth door: but nothing is yet ordered therein. It is advertised from Scotland, that since the arrival of General Middleton, the Highlanders do grow numerous; at the Rendezvous in Murray land the Arms were distributed, some moneys received, and Letters read from their titular King, promising his assistance to the uttermost of his power, at which some signs of great joy were made, which were suddenly cooled by the tidings of the approach of our Army, of which more in the next. The titular King of Scots of his own accord did choose to go into Germany, it being a journey a long time in his intention. The Queen of Bohemia is going to Frankendale, which is her Dowry, a most wealthy place, and of great frequentation, it being the middle way betwixt Worms and Spiers, where she will do the best she can to entertain him; some Letters affirm, that the titular King of Scots is way discouraged at his removal out of France, so familiar are his misfortunes with him. Antwerp, March 14, 1654. The Duke of Lorrain doth still remain in our Castle, as a close prisoner; the Archduke doth use him with all the civil respects that may be and as becometh a Prince: His brother Duke Francis (as I hear) will be here tomorrow to command the Army. There is an Express sent to the Emperor, and another into Spain, to give notice of all that hath passed in that business; there hath not been discovered as yet any considerable sums of money in his possession; the greatest business is those jewels found about his daughter amounting to a good round sum: he keepeth daily a very good Table, having many men to wait on him. Several complaints have been made, that some differing in judgement in point of Religion from others, have affronted them in their Pulpits, to the scandal of Religion, whereupon there is something under consideration for a severe punishment to be inflicted impartially upon all whatsoever, who shall disturb the Congregation in their public worship of God. Monsieur Williamson, Ambassador for Denmark, is very suddenly expected to make his application to his Highness the Lord Protector Amsterdam the 14 of March. The Commander Ruyter is chosen Vice-Admiral for this City. The 140 sail that came from the Eastland, are part coming up to this City, and the rest go to divers ports in this Country. There is likewise come to the Hague an Agent or Public Minister of Malta, who is called the Chevalier Palant, he hath an Audience of the States General, and after that hath delivered in certain papers, wherein are expressed at large the occasion of his coming, and his Demands. A Freebooter of Enchuisen hath lately retaken a ship that had been taken by the English near the Vlie: Here are two great ships also come from the Charibdie Islands. From Venice the 6. Febr. 1654. By a ship that came lately from Candia, we hear that Uslaim Bashaw, who is General of the Turkish Army in that Island, intending to besiege anew that City, had brought all his forces near the place, intending to entrench and fortify themselves close to the walls, but that our forces within had made such a powerful sally upon those infidels, that they had not only made them to forsake their new works, but likewise made them to retreat in a disorderly way, but not without some considerable loss on our part. Here are now four ships under sail, which carry men, moneys, and the like warlike necessaries for the relief of Candia; and there are more ships which will be ready for the same purpose in a few days. Our Levies likewise go on gallantly, not only those in Germany, but also those in several parts of Italy: Divers persons who had been exiled from this City, have made their peace with considerable sums of money, among whom is the Earl Porcellago of Breseia. Further from Paris thus. The Marshal de la Ferte having settled all things at Beffort, is marched towards Brisack, with an intent to bring the Earl of Harcourt to accept those conditions mentioned in the King's Declaration, which settleth him on those conditions as he was when he left the Leagure of Villanova in Agenois, and in a case of denial, the said Marshal is to block him up, and reduce him by force of arms, having already taken some Castles which are leading on to the work. The garrison that marched out of Beffort came to Luxembourg in a reasonable good condition. The French forces are still quartered in Languedoc and now the provisions brought into Rosa being near spent; therefore care is had to relieve the place with more. There have been some motisons made of late by friends behalf of Cardinal de Retz, yet hath he not his enlargement. SIR, I can no longer live without writing, for I understand the Court hath done some kind of Justice wherewith you are reasonably well pleased, but if this content be not absolute, I am resolved not to rejoice; and truly it is a shame to see the bounties of Princes in the hands of such persons, who can neither be useful nor pleasing unto them and that honest men must still satisfy themselves with the only testimony of a good conscience, and in the content they receive in well doing, for my part I will not complain of fortune, if others must have the use of her. Now if the Ministers of State understood my secret, and that for satisfying of two, it were only necessary to oblige one, by acquitting themselves of what they owe another, they might easily spare what they have done unto me. Philip Lord Lisle, Major Gen. Lambert, Sir Gilbert Pickering, John Lawrence, Colonel George Mountague, and Walter Strickland, Esq. had this day a large conference with the Dutch Ambassadors concerning the explaining of some words which seem to afford some ambiguity in the Articles. Thus you see how weighty matters of State go on by gradations; a few more steps will lead to a period of this great business. From Deal we hear that upon notice given to our Fleet that about 60 Dutch Merchants ships ere lately gone forth with a small convoy, a squadron of ours sailed forth towards the Coast of France, endeavouring for to meet with them, but as yet we cannot hear what success they had. The Merchant adventurers for Ireland are to meet at Grocers' Hall London on Thursday next, for making a Lottery for the Narronies. The Committee for Obstructions sitting at Worcester house in the Strand, have adjourned till the 13 of April next, at which time the Commissioners for the sale of the Lands, &c. belonging to the late King, Queen, and Prince sit there again. In some Churches in London many godly people kept this day in fasting & prayer, for imploring the blessing of rain from above, in this time of drought, which we the rather mention, that people may with thankful hearts take notice of God's goodness, in his readiness to answer their prayers, in sending down sweet and refreshing showers upon the earth, at the very same instant, in which they are seeking unto him for that mercy. There be some Copies of Letters intercepted from Scotland, sent to London, which within few days will be made public. From Amsterdam they write of a stately Fleet almost in readiness, and say, that it far exceeds the number they have yet had forth to fight, and their Prospective out of England is Reciprocal, and (say some of the Letters) all Christendom stand amazed at the transactions of these so mighty and considerable Commonwealths, yet they seem not to doubt but their Ambassadors have before this time ratified the Peace with England, saying that they had but six weeks allotted for their stay in England. The Orange party are indifferent quiet for the present, though they talk very high, but being they are put to play an after game, the matter is so much the less considerable.
A Perfect Account, Issue 166
MDem86
Published for the right understanding of all the Mad-merry-People of Great-Bedlam. From Wednesday Febr. 15. to Wednesday February. 22. 1654. This Week Gentlemen, a Man or a Mouse; Either exit Democritus, or Enter Hiraclitus; No matter, cheer up, as long as thy Cause is honest, and Conscience clear, the threats of brainsick enemies cannot daunt thee; so long as Justice and Equity takes my part, I fear none but God and his Substitutes, and therefore avoid Dmon, I utterly defy thee and all thy Works. There is a Physician lately come out of Tenebris that helps any Gentleman Usher of the Consumption in the legs this Lent by eating of Veal, which will wonderfully increase their Calves in one month; Or if any Virgin be sick of Cupid, that her Disease grow to a Tympanie, let her with all speed possible remove herself, changing the Air for 40. Weeks after, keeping very spare Diet when she travels, ever after using lawful Exercises, till the Party be married, and then she is passed danger. If any Lady be sick of the Sullens, she knows not where, let her take a handful of Simples, I know not what, and use them I know not how, applying them to the place grieved, I know not which, and she shall be cured I know not when. If any Scholar be troubled with an Itch or breaking out, which in short time may prove the Scurvy; let him forbear clawing or fretting meats, especially eating Eggs with Chickens in them; and so after dinner stroke his temples with fasting-Spittle, and so purge Choler, but by any means upwards. If any be troubled with the Tentigo, he must travel to Japan, or because the Coven-Garden is of the same altitude and Elevation of the Pole, and a shorter Voyage, let him but hunt there one afternoon for his Recreation, and it shall be done in an instant; the readiest way to start the Game, is to have an eye up to the Bell-conies, where a Knight of micckle same the other day courted a Brace of Drury-lane Ladies, making them show their fine embroidered toes through the rails, to spite and vex his poor distressed Wife, who (poor Lady) works hard for a Groat or Six-pence a day to keep her alive; Oh shameless impudence of men and Women in these inconstant times. If anyone be troubled with a Felon on his finger, whereby he hath lost the lawful use of his Hand; let him but once use the exercise of swinging, and stretch but himself upon the Sovereign Tree on Paddington Fair Day, It will certainly kill the Felon. If any Lady be married, and cannot have a Child in 3 quarters after, if she have but a longing Desire to be a Mother, let her eat to her Breakfast a new-laid Egg in a spoonful of Goat's Milk, with a scruple of Amber-grease, and at supper feed on a Hen trodden but by one Cock, and above all things, to avoid hurrying in Hackney Coaches, especially on the Stones, or thinketh by Paintings, Patches, Frizzlings, Powderings or Perfumings to mend what Nature made; and no doubt she shall increase and fructify, suddenly after. If any Lapland Merchant be burst, or troubled with a Rupture in his Estate, so that he cannot go abroad to make Water, let him decoct Gold from a Pound to a Noble; taking the Broth thereof from 6 Months to six Months, and he shall afterwards be assured at the Assurance Office, in a short time after, to be as Able a Man as ever he was. If any be Deaf, Lame, Blind, or any bound, or loose behind, if Ladies foul, would be made fair, have new Powder, or new Hair, if any dream or walk by Night, are troubled with the Mare or Sprite, be Drums, or Rattles in thy head, are not thy Brains well tempered, Do's olus thy stomach gnaw, hast Worms or Vermin in thy Maw, dost thou desire young Maids to please, here's the best Cantharides, all Diseases that arise from ill-disposed Crudities, of lazy Gout, I Cure the rich, and rid the Beggar of the Itch, I steam avoid both thick & thin, I dislocated joints put in, I can lost Maidenheads restore, and do ten Thousand Cures more. I lie at the Flying Horseshoe in Honesty street, and am constantly at home between Twelve and 16. in the forenoon; You may inquire for Doctor Fumigosus the English Italian, who will at those hours be ready to attend you. The last News from Westminster, Feb. 13. make mention of a terrible bloody Battle between the Watermen and Hackney-Coachmen, who fell out in the Palace yard, which should carry a Fair to Lambeth cheapest; from words they fell to blows, and so began the Battle; a Waterman gave the onset with his Stretcher, and plied it home so roundly, that his Noddle saluted his Coach-horse's heels; with that the rest of the Hackney-men began to shoot brickbats from the Mortar-pieces in their Coach-boxes so thick that two Skulls were broke, and such streams of blood issued there from them, that the Fountain in the Palace yard was drowned therewith; They kept such a bawling, that if the Lawyers had not formerly been acquainted with it, an Order doubtless would have been taken with them; but the Watermen being more fair-conditioned than the Coachmen, at last yielded to a Treaty; The first man being an Oar just come ashore, alleged the great and insufferable injuries they sustained by the multitudes of Hackney-Coaches, next to London-bridge a great Frost, and a Press of Watermen, the most grievous eyesore to them as could be; The Coachman made but a round Reply to the business, driving very home for the usefulness of Coaches, alleging in these faithless times, Men had rather trust themselves five miles by Land, than half a mile by Water, by reason of sudden storms and dangers that very often and unexpectedly, whereby many had been formerly drowned; whereupon they put the case between both parties to Arbitration, binding themselves by an Assumsit to stand to the Arbitrament of two men that were neither Watermen nor Coachmen, who in short time gave up the Result, That the Coachmen should drive by Water, and the Watermen row by Land; and so both parties rest well content, only that London-bridge and great Frosts should not molest Coaches nor Coachmen as they had formerly done Watermen. At the closing up of this difference, a Letter was brought to a Waterman, that a servant of his that was formerly Pressed, was drowned by an accident, whereupon reading the same he fetched a great sigh, saying, Alas, Alas, he is gone the way of all Flesh: You had said true; quoth a Coachman, if he had miscarried on Land, but miscarrying by water, I rather think your servant is gone the way of all Fish; At which answer all the Company laughed, and so the Coachmen took their way through the Thames, and the Watermen rowed home through the streets well elevated with good Liquor, much peace and amity having been between them ever since. A sorrowful, but loving Son of the Muses, for the untimely fall of his dear Father, penned this mournful Dirge or Ditty in the Antipodes, which being very pithy, I have here exposed to the view of all those that love their Father's Money better than his Person or Life: Bless me! what a strange Dream have had tonight? Methought I see the World dashed into a second Chaos, the Axletree of Heaven gave such a Crack it feared me! Oh my deceased FATHER! Oh his distempered Son! I cannot speak for Weeping. The last Letter from Constantinople, make mention of a wonderful accident, That happened there the last moon-shiny-Night; The Letter speaks as followeth, SIR, I presume you have heard the News in the Antipodes of the unexpected fall of Mahomet's Tomb, but the reason of the fall being hid from our eyes, is since miraculously discovered to be thus; The Man in the Moon wearing Hobnails on his shoes, just when the Moon passing over in the Equinoctial of that Country, being in an extreme Conjunction with Mars, caused so great a heat in the Sun, that the Hobnails in the Man in the Moon's shun melting the Leads of the Church where he hung, the Loadstone fixed thereto had violently drawn the Man quite out of the Moon, had he not by great accident caught hold of his Dog's tail, who to save his Master, clasped his forefeet on the horns of the Moon, and so held his Master up fast, till the Loadstone had joined to his Hobnails, at which instant of time Mahomet's Tomb, that had hung up so many hundred years, fell on the sudden to the ground, which caused such great astonishment in the People, that they run all mad, being so lunatic, That they could never be brought to their wits since; but what is most strange, the Loadstone hanging at the Man in the Moon's shoe, hath since that time drawn up into the Clouds the great City of Constantinople, and many other Cities in the Turks' Dominions; which lament the loss of their goodly buildings, London, printed by J. Crouch, and T.W. dwelling at the 3 Foxes in Long Lane. 1654.
Mercurius Democritus, Issue 86
PerfII2
From Tuesday May 23. to Friday May 26, 1654. This day was kept a day of public Thanksgiving to Almighty God, according to the Declaration of the Lord Protector, lately mentioned, Mr. Lockier, and Mr. Thomas Goodwin, prayed and preached at Whitehall Chapel, where the Lord Protector and Council were present. And after Sermon a Woman made a disturbance by reproaching the present authority. It was kept in many Parishes in London, and by divers Churches, yet some would not observe it, and some kept a day of Humiliation. Hague 6 (alias 16) May. Here is arrived an Envoy from the City of Bremen to acquaint the States General of the condition they are in, are to desire Counsel and help against the Invasion of the Swedes. Besides the first private Publication and Thanksgiving, the next Monday the Publication of the Peace concluded between England and this State, is to be made through all the United Provinces, and in the evening Bonfires, with shooting off the Ordnance, and there shall be eight days after a day of Thanksgiving shall be kept. The States of Holland are yet sitting. The Princess Royal went yesterday to Onstaerdiick with the young Prince her Son. There is a triumphal Arch built at Amsterdam upon the place called the Dam, where also all the Canons have been brought from the Arsenals to made use of for the expressing our joy upon the news of peace. The Magistrates of Hamburg and Lubeck have sent some Deputies to mediate an agreement between the Swedes and the City of Bremen, whereupon the quarters of the Low Saxony, have also Deputed to Hamburg, to join with them in that mediation. We hear from Swedeland that the Queen hath already discharged a great many of her Court Officers and Servants, and that the Lord Erick Oxenstern is named to be sent extraordinary Ambassador into England. The Swedes have commanded upon great penalties the Inhabitants of this County to work about the fencing of the Suburbs of this City, lately taken by them. The Emperor hath in the mean time issued out a command, by which the General Koningsmark is almost forbidden to molest any more this City, and commanded to deliver us up again our Suburbs, Veghensack, and all the other places he hath taken from us, forbidding also the Bores, or any other of these parts to assist the Swedes. From Hamburg 12 May. The Deputies of the Low Saxony have not only met here with our Commissioners about the relief of the City of Bremen but also to make a defensive league with us. Whereas the enemies of the peace of this Nation (notwithstanding the many signal Providences of God in frustrating of their former counsels and malicious Designs) do appear still restless in their attempts, to involve this Commonwealth in blood and confusion. In order whereunto divers of them have lately repaired to London, as well from beyond the Seas, as from several parts of this Commonwealth: his Highness with the advice of his Council, hath therefore thought fit, and doth hereby expressly charge and command, that for the better discovery of persons ill affected to the peace of this Commonwealth, the Constables of the respective Parishes within the Cities of London and Westminster. Borough of Southwark and the Lines of Communication, do forthwith after the publication hereof, repair to the several houses within the respective Parishes, and require from the Householders a List of the names of all such persons as now do, or did lodge in their respective houses on Friday night last being the 19 of this instant May, or at any time since, with their several qualities and conditions, and how long they have been lodged there. And all and every the said Householders are accordingly to deliver to the said Constables, or one of them, a true List of all such names, upon peril of being reputed and dealt withal as accomplices and partakers in the designs. Which List so delivered, the respective Constables of the parishes within the Cities of London and Westminster, Borough of Southwark and Lines of Communication, are within 48 hours to deliver the Lord Mayor of London, & Bailiffs of Westminster & Southwark, respectively, whereof the said Constables are not to sail at their utmost peril. And the said Lord Mayor and Bailiffs are to return the Lists so to be by them received, to his Highness's Council at Whitehall, immediately after the receipt thereof. And his Highness doth likewise strictly command and require, that no person or persons whatsoever, lodging in the Lines of Communication, do change his or their several and respective lodgings, or depart out of the said Lines for the space of 10 days after the date hereof, without a special License and Pass in that behalf obtained from the Lord Mayor of the said City of London; or Bailiff of Westminster or Southwark respectively, under their respective hands and seals; which Pass the said Lord Mayor and Bailiffs of Westminster and Southwark respectively, are hereby authorized to give all such persons concerning whom they shall be satisfied, that they have no ill intentions or designs against the Commonwealth, and to none else. And if any such person shall presume to depart out of the said Lines, within the said time, without License obtained as aforesaid, it shall be reputed a contempt of this his Highness's command and be punished according to its demerit. And the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Bailiffs of Westminster and Southwark respectively, are to cause this Proclamation forthwith, after publication thereof, to be sent to the constables as aforesaid, and to require and demand from them an account of their proceedings thereupon. Given at Whitehall 23 May. The Plot upon the best intelligence I have, was to have murdered the Lord Protector, the time to be Saturday or Sunday last. A vessel was taken with letters from France, and he whom they say should have murdered his Highness leaped overboard and drowned himself. Gilbert Gerhard Esq. John Gerhard a Kinsman of Gilbert Gerhard's, Mr. Tudor Apothecary, M. Jones, Sidney Fothers, M. Baggly, Dr Naudiu, Maj. Mason, M. Peter Brown, M. Hill. It is hereby promised that the 1 Book of the observations on Aristotle's Politicks, shall be published three Months hence entire together; excepting the first parts which may be had at Mr. Moon's at the seven stars in Paul's churchyard. this work shall be continued Friday and Tuesday weekly containing all the news that is beneficial for the Reader. As Csar was crossing the sea to the Isle of Rhodes, his fortune was about the Isle Pharmacusa, to be taken by Rovers or Pirates, with them he remained in custody, not without exceeding indignation for the space of 40 days, accompanied with one Physician and two grooms of his Chamber, for his Companions and the rest of his Train, he had sent away immediately at the very first, to procure him money with all speed for his ransom: upon their return and his payment of 50 Talents, being set on shore, he delayed not time, but presently procured a small Fleet of his friends who aided him with men as well as ships he puts to Sea: pursued the Pirates, fighteth with them, overcommeth and taketh them prisoners, and hangeth them, as he oftentimes had threatened them in his mirth, whilst he was a prisoner with them. Great and ambitious spirits never omit making of opportunity to increase their fame, and opinion of worth in the people: Csar maketh use of opportunity, he calleth it the will of the Gods: Highwaymen have opportunity to rob, and kill sometimes, the Divel had opportunity and permission to torment Job. Meanwhile, Mithridates wasted the Countries next adjoining his Dominion, Csar because he would show his active spirit in so dangerous and doubtful a state of the Confederates and Allies of Rome, he left Rhodes, and gathered a power of Auxiliary or volunteer soldiers, expelled the Governors of Mithridates out of the Provinces and kept the Cities and States in their Allegiance, which were wavering, and at the point to revolt. Csar had no Commission for what he did but because he had success and the Commonwealth the benefit by having its enemies vanquished: Csar is not called to account, in this be usurped absolute authority in raising forces and attempting to make war without authority of the Senate; by which it appeareth the Senate did decline in their policy as well as the Commonwealth in virtue: the Senate should have taken his head off for that Act, and so have ridded the Commonwealth of a Usurper, the Commonwealth of Rome turned to a Monarchy because the Senate did not keep the arms of the Commonwealth in their hands: the Senate after the disposing of the absolute power of Arms, signified no more than a Cipher, those Council and Senates that will be powerful and just, must be free, not overawed with Arms, those that are, are not free. After this victorious success, Csar returneth to Rome, and is by the Commons elected Tribune, he assisted withal his might the Patrons of the Commons. M. Crassus and others, who stood out for the Tribune's authority, the force and strength whereof Silla had abated, he effected moreover thus much, by virtue of an Act proposed by Plotius a Tribune of the Commons, that they who together with him in the time of civil discord, took part with Lupidius (who after his death fled unto Sertorius) might return safely into the City, and enjoy their freedom, touching which matter he made an Oration before the people. Csar now had great authority with the people, he pretendeth much zeal to restore the authority of the Tribunes of the people, only to weaken the authority of the Nobility, who diligently watched to prevent the usurping of one as absolute Lord, that thereby they might maintain equal authority amongst themselves; but Csar that he might oblige more to strengthen and own his interest obtaineth an Act to call home several mutinous persons: Senates when they are overawed, are but as Moulds in which are cast what forms of Laws the Usurpers or over-awers please. Csar upon the death of Julia his Aunt by the father's side, and upon the death of his wife Cornelia both late deceased, made a funeral Oration in their praise, where he spake of their pedigree and descent namely his Aunt, and also of her father he maketh report in manner following. My Aunt Julia (quoth he) by the mother is lineally descended of Kings, and by the father was united, to the race of the immortal Gods: for from Ancus Marcius are derived the Marcii surnamed Reges, id est Kings, which name my mother was styled with, and from Venus the Julii drew their original; of which house and name is our family, so then in this stock they concur and meet together, as well the Sanctity and sacred Majesty of King, who among men are most powerful, as the religious ceremonies and services of the Gods, in whose power Kings themselves are. It is a thing frequent that when any have lifted their heads somewhat above their brethren or their contemporaries, although they descended of never forbade Parents, or their beginning were never so obscure, as Potters, Blacksmiths, or other such like, they or some Flatterers for them, endeavour to produce their pedigree of noble Houses, give honourable arms. Alexander must be the Son of Jupiter Olimpius: Csar must be descended from the Gods and the Kings; Castruccio Castricave of Lucca, who when an Infant was found in an Orchard, who came of unknown Parents, must take upon him the name of Castricani, the name of the most honourable family of that State, after he made himself Lord thereof as Machivil sayeth. Csar after the death of his wife, wedded Pompeii daughter of Q. Pompeius, and Niece to L. Sylla, afterwards divorced her, suspecting she had been naught with P. Clodius of whom there was a report, that at the celebration of certain public divine Ceremonies, he being disguised in woman's apparel had access secretly unto her: to find out the truth of this matter the Senate by decree directed a Commission to Justices Inquisitors. These Ceremonies was performed in Csar's house when he was Poutifex they were for the cleansing of the women. While Csar was Quester it fell out to him by lot to execute that Office in the further Province of Spain; where, when as by command by the Lord Pretour: he rode his Circuit to keep the Assize coming to Gades, beholding advisedly the Image or Portraiture of K. Alexander the Great, in the Temple of Hercules, at the sight thereof he fetched a deep sigh, in that he had performed yet no memorable act at those years, wherein Alexander had conquered the whole world, he presently made earnest suit for his discharge and licence to depart, thereby to take the first opportunity to purchase great enterprises at home within the City. Csar's ambition pricked him forward to great undertakings, his Cloak or wizard for his ambition was public affection to the interest of the Commons, who he made Slaves of as well as the Lords or Nobility, whose estates he made use of to maintain arms to defend him in his usurpation: to effect which he cunningly makes his repair to the City the heart of the Empire, he that will poison sure must poison the heart; or so effectually poison other part or parts, that in the operation thereof it shall immediately convey itself to the heart, the extreme parts being poisoned or infected may be cut off to save the whole, as the hand or leg. A Usurper or a Tyrant is not so dangerous anywhere as in the Metropolitan City or the Supreme Councils or Senate. Out of both City and Senate the State of Venice do expel such who they stand so in fear of, especially such who have arms in their hands, they shut out, and by no means permit. The night before Csar undertook his journey towards the City of Rome he dreamt that he had carnal company with his own mother, the Diviners and Wizards incited him thereby to the hope of most glorious achievements, making this exposition of his Dreams that thereby was portended to him the sovereignty of the whole world, considering that his mother that he saw under him betokened nothing else but the subjection of the earth, which is counted the mother of all things. This dream troubled Csar sorely, until this interpretation was made of it, the knowledge thereof prompt him much; in which service the Devil's Emissaries the Wizards was very diligent, he is an enemy to mankind; he practiseth the death, slavery, and servitude of man continually, man was in Paradise alive, innocent, and in freedom; he practiseth and accomplisheth his fall, death, guilt and slavery to sin, he is very ready to assist Tyrants and Usurpers: he sendeth of his most exquisite art, viz. to counterfeit even an Angel of light that he may deceive, he hateth anything that may be called liberty of mankind; he sometimes assisteth in excess of liberty, to put a necessity on them of servitude; Tyrants are the only servants of the Devil, and the plague of mankind. Would it not have been incest, a sin against nature for Csar to have lain with his mother, was it not as much a sin against nature, for him to ravish the Commonwealth, and take away its liberty, and put a necessity upon them to accept him to be their Lord without their free consent, ye sure it was. Csar in his way went unto the Latin Colonies, which were at that time devising and in counsel to sue for the freedom of the City of Rome, and no doubt had solicited and excited them to attempt some tumult and trouble in the State, but that the Consuls for the avoiding of this danger, kept back for a time, those Legions that were enrolled to be sent into Cicelia. The end of the 2d. Chapter.
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The gracious Resolution of his Highness the Lord Protector, concerning the languishing and deplorable conditions of the poor Prisoners in Ludgate, Newgate, the Fleet, Gate-house, Upper-Bench, and all other Gaols and Prisons whatsoever both in City and Country. With the proceedings of his honourable Council thereupon; and a Declaration for the relief of all those that have acted in the service of the Parliament. The taking and disposing of the Broad Seal of England, and the Ordinances to be published throughout England and Wales. The joining of the Highlanders into one entire Body, and the preparations of both Armies to give battle unto each other. Since our last, We have received intelligence, that the Highlanders' Army are all joined together into one body; but who knows how soon they may be dispersed again: for the English are preparing to give 'em battle, and desire nothing more than sudden action. They speak high; but as yet dare not descend low: neither dare they interpose, unless with great advantage. The Broad Seal, we hear, is taken and disposed of, and the Commissioners for the Relief of Creditors and poor Prisoners are not to proceed these 20 days. Sundry other excellent things are under Debate. The 27 instant, the French Ambassador had Audience before his highness the Lord Protector, at which time, upon the presenting of his Letters Credential from his Master the King, he made a very learned and excellent Oration, touching his Embassy, and the renewing of a more stricter League and Union between both Nations. Of which, more in our next. The 29. the Lord Ambassador Bordeaux from the King of France, had public Audience in the Banqueting house in Whitehall, which was richly hung with stately Hangings, and thousands of people present. Being carried in the L. Protector's chief Coach, and with him some of the Council, & Sir Oliver Fleming Master of the Ceremonies, attended by divers Noble persons, being in all above forty Coaches, more with six horses apiece. Where he was received by his Highness the Lord Protector, his Council being with his Highness at the upper end of the Banqueting house, where after several Congies each to other, the L. Ambassador made a speech to his Highness, and after his Highness' answer and salutings, he returned back again. The sum of the L. Ambassador's Speech was to declare that he came from the K. of France his Master to treat in order to a firm peace to be settled with England. Touching which he has a kind answer. Taken by the Newcastle Frigate, a Galliot Hoy, whose Mast being shot by the Board she was burnt. 2. Taken by the Assurance Frigate, the Hope of Housdown, burden 50. Tons. 3. Taken by the Phnix, the Claus of Housdown burden 50 Tons. 4. Taken by the Mermaid's Boat, the Fortune of Mazeland Sluys, burden 32 Tons, wherein were many barrels of Fish, and 6. of Salt, with about 40 empty Cask. 5. Taken by the same day by the Newcastle's Boat, the Skell-fish of Mazeland Sluys, with Fish, Salt, & empty Cask. 6. Taken by the Phnix her Boat, the Plumpart of Mazeland Sluys, burden 30 Tons, with Fish, Salt, and empty Cask likewise. 7. Taken by the Mermaid, the Providence of Mazeland Sluys, 28 Tons, with the like lading. 8. Taken likewise the Fortune of Delfs-haven, burden 200 Tons, laden with Brandywine, French wine, Prunes &c. 9. Taken by the Mermaid one Galliot Hoy, burden 25 Tons. 10. Taken by the Mermaid, two Scotch vessels, laden with Beef, Flour, Train-oil, Deerskins and Sugars. 11. Taken by the Mermaid, the Waking Boy of Enchuvsn a private man of War, of 8. Guns, 150 pounds of powder, shot proportionable. 12 Pikes, 10. Muskets, eight Pistols, and a boat with four Oars. 12. A Merchant ship brought in prize into Rye. 13. A Denmark ship brought into Scarborough. 14. A rich prize, laden with Sugar, and other Merchandizes, taken by a private man of War worth 150000 l. A private man of War belonging to Zealand, taken by the Paul Frigate with 15. piece of Ordnance and 60 men, after six hours dispute, she is brought into Plymouth. The Lord Henry Cromwell is returned from Ireland, and is (blessed be God) safely arrived at the Cock-pit. All is quiet and in a good condition in Ireland. From Leghorn our Post hath brought intelligence, that the French Pirates have taken two English Merchant ships bound for London, but purchased them with the loss of much blood. From Uppsala in Sweden thus: All the actions of our great Queen are so many wonders, and continual effects of her virtues, and of the greatness of her incomparable courage; but some few days since in special she did give such proof thereof, that the same may be called the Crown of all her other actions, seeing it doth manifest to the World how this admirable Princess hath set herself above the Crowns, under which man commonly do seek their satisfaction and glory. The 23 of Feb. she having summoned all the Senators of the Land, they all made their appearance except 9 who were out of the Land upon public employment: her Majesty declared unto them the design she had to leave the charge of the Kingdom, and to that end she was resolved to go to Nicoping to confer with the Prince Palatine of Sweden her Cousin, having sent him Letters to invite him thither, and withal to persuade him to accept the charge of the Kingdom, and the managing of the State Affairs: This Prince is the same who was heretofore Generalissimo of the Swedish Armies in Germany, concluded first a peace with the Duke Picolomini and in the year 1650 at the Coronation of the Queen, was then declared apparent Heir to the Crown of Sweden, and by the States and Commonality acknowledged so, having made their Oath of Allegiance to him, as unto their future King, after the Queens death; we are expecting with great impatience the event of that generous and unthought of Resolution. The 26 of Feb. her Majesty had a masque danced in the behalf of the Earl de Montecuculli, Gen. of the horse to the Emperor, where were present the English and Spanish Ambassadors, with many of our Senators: the beginning of this Masque was of an exquisite harmony of voices and instruments to sing some heroic Poems, composed first by an Italian called Albertus Vemino, in honour of the Emperor: in the midst of it was made a splendid and Royal Collation of Sweetmeats, and other Rarities, and at the end of the Masque was brought by the Earl of Todta a rich Collar, and being laid near the Queen, there was a Cushion laid at her feet: then having called to her the Earl of Montecuculli, and with her own hands invested him of that new Order of Knighthood called of Amarantha, and first instituted by her Majesty, who holding both his hands, did make him promise that he would truly and faithfully keep and observe all the statutes of that Order: During all this Ceremony the music both vocal and instrumental, and among other rare pieces then sung, was one made in Italian, whereof all the verses ended thus, Long may live Aramantha. his Highness the Lord Protector, and his Honourable Council, upon mature Debate of redressing the grievances of poor prisoners, resolved, that an Ordinance for suspending the proceedings of the Judges named in the Act, entitled, An Act for the relief of Creditors and poor Prisoners, should be forthwith printed and published. An Ordinance also passed for relief of persons that have acted in the service of the Parliament. There was another Ordinance likewise passed for prohibiting Cock-Matches, the exact Copy take as followeth: Whereas the public Meetings and Assemblies of people together in divers parts of this Nation, under pretence of Matches for Cock-fighting, are by experience found to tend many times to the disturbance of the public peace, and are commonly accompanied with Gaming, Drinking, Swearing, Quarrelling, and other dissolute practice, to the dishonour of God, and do often produce the ruin of persons and their families. For prevention thereof, Be it ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice and consent of his council, That from henceforth there shall be no public or set meetings or Assemblies of any persons within England or Wales, upon matches made for Cock-fighting; And that every such meeting and assembly of people for the end and purpose aforesaid, is hereby declared to be an unlawful Assembly and shall be so adjudged, deemed, and taken to be, and punished; And all Sheriffs, Justices of the Peace, Majors, Bailiffs, constables, and Headboroughs, within their several Counties, Cities, Limits and Jurisdictions, are hereby required to suppress, hinder, and disperse all such meetings and assemblies. Hen. Scobel. Clerk of the Council. Another Ordinance is likewise passed, for continuing one Act of Parliament, entitled, An Act for Probate of Wills, and granting Administrations, viz. Be it ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the advice and consent of his Council, That one Act of Parliament, entitled, An Act for Probate of Wills, and granting Administrations, and all the powers, authorities, matters, and things therein contained, shall be, and are hereby revived and continued, in full power and force, to all intents and purposes, until further Order. And it is hereby further ordained that Rich. Lucy, John Hildesley, Nathanial Barton, Jervas Bennet, Anthony Rous, Joachym Mathews, Edward Clud, Thomas Wood, Esquires, & Robert Tichburn Alderman of London, be added to the Judges mentioned in the said Act, and that the said Judges named in the said Act, and in this present Ordinance, or any three of them, be, and are hereby authorized to put in execution all and every the Powers given by the said Act, as fully as any of the Judges therein named might have done by force of the said Act Hen. Scobel, Clerk of the Council. The Newcastle frigate hath taken a Dutch man of war of 14 guns, and sent her into Bridlington Bay: this was one of the four Capers that did much annoy us on the Northern Coast. Sundry other Vessels are taken; but the lading of some are scarce worth mentioning. The great expectations of Peace and union between the two Commonwealths of England and Holland is now arrived our Ears, insomuch, that we can certainly assure you, that the Articles both in relation to them and Denmark, are absolutely concluded on, and the Commissioners are even now ready to sign and seal on both sides. Paris April the first. All the discourse at present is concerning that which was acted in Parliament on Saturday last, when all the Chambers being assembled, and every member in their scarlet gowns, the King then came, and being sat in his bed of Justice, they proceeded in the business of the Prince of Conde, and immediately read the sentence, which is, That for being found guilty of high Treason and Rebellion against the King his Lord and liege Sovereign, he was to be put to death, and that so soon as he should be apprehended, his Sentence to be executed, his lands and goods all forfeited to the Crown; in regard of his quality he is not to be executed in Effigy, & as touching the manner of his death the Parliament would not determine but left it to his Majesty's pleasure. The Prince of Conti is much troubled at this cruel Sentence against his brother, and has left the Court. From Edinburgh our Post bringeth intelligence, That the Commander in chief hath issued forth a Proclamation, requiring all Boroughs and Parishes to secure all suspicious persons, and enemies to this Commonwealth: Several Towns have been found guilty of the breach hereof, the persons confined, and their houses levelled with the ground, and a pair of Gallows erected in the same place. The 21 instant Col. Cooper with a party of Horse and Dragoons from Glascow, and another party at the same time falling into the Isle of Leven, where about 300 of the enemy quartered [about 4 in the morning]) took Mac-Naughton's Trumpet, and 35 other prisoners, but Col. Newark escaped. In this Conflict many a stout Spirit saluted the ground, and the whole part was totally routed, with very little. There hath been a very sharp Dispute between the Paul frigate, and a Flushing man of War, the last Week; but after 5 hours Conflict, the Hollanders were forced to yield, and now lie at the mercy of our States in Plymouth. Monday, being the 27 of this instant month, there came a Post from Scotland, intimating, That the Royal part increaseth, and that Gen. Middleton endeavours to raise Southerland, Caithness, and the county of Ross, and so to drain the Country, even as a Sponge sucketh in Water, of all the able, stout, and resolute hearts, that are able to bear Arms from sixteen to sixty; with a Resolution to descend down into the Lowlands: for indeed, they grow numerous, and swell up as a Snow-Ball doth in its rolling; but may as soon dissolve again in the like Element. The Lord Seaforth hath raised his number to seven hundred, the Earl of Athol five hundred, Co. Forbs five hundred, and the last general Rendezvous, no less than seven thousand horse and foot they spake themselves to be completely armed, but have not obtained as yet the silver Instrument, which is the life of the Cause, and the very sinew of War: but their expectation is great from Germany, and for aught I know, long looked for may come at last: in the interim, they march towards our Borders, forcing their Levies throughout their march. From Scotland it is further advertized, That Col. Morgan hath sent a Letter to Gen. Middleton, declaring, That it was not unknown what amicable ways they had used, to avoid the effusion of Christian blood since they came into those parts, which though hitherto had been ineffectual, yet they should endeavour the same; showing further, That their Arms were still stretched out ready to embrace them, whenever God should incline them to come in; and that they sought not domination over them, to enslave them, nor to depress them in any lawful way, but to carry on the Lord's Work: And that if they would still be blinded, and persist in the gainsaying and opposing, then what further misery befell their Nation by famine or sword, would lie heavy upon them. This Letter (though favouring so much of integrity and ingenuity) met with nothing of like nature from their Adversaries; for immediately thereupon, an Answer was returned; which being briefly contracted, the genuine sense take as followeth; That in case they were not in a capacity against the unjust proceedings of the English, yet were they in a capacity to suffer, and should submit to God's Will, either by doing or suffering, until the time of their deliverance come; and that if it were their happiness to perish in their Duty and Loyalty, it would be a sufficient mercy to them: and when the persecution had arrived to its height, their captivity should be returned. But doubtless, but that in time we shall be able to put a Hook into the Nostrils, and a Bridle into the mouths of these high and mighty Youngsters, who threaten nothing but fire and sword to all that shall oppose them. There has been a Summons sent to the castle of Lough by col. Morgan, in the name of the Lord Protector, demanding a rendition. But the Governor returned Answer, That as for the castle it stood upon a Rock, and as for the Lord Protector he knew no such man: in consideration whereof, he was resolved to dispute the Walls by Inches and to fight it out to the last man. The Dutch fleet are in a formidable posture, and new Orders issued forth to Vice-Admiral Ruiter. The King of Spain looks with a notable sheep's eye upon the Belgic Lions and 'tis conceived something may probably be attempted. It is advertized, that the King of Scots is yet in France, where (say the Letters) he will stay a little, and see what effects the Treaty will produce betwixt England and France. He had a Present given him a little before Easter by some of the Protestant Nobility of that Kingdom. In the Holidays the little Queen his mother came to see him in the Palace Royal, and King Lewis vouchsafed him a visit in the Louvre; After which, she returned to her Devotions in the Nunnery. But if there be a peace concluded between the Commonwealth of England, and the Crown of France, then they are to be excluded from the Court. Well! Patience is a Virtue: And I question not but ere long to represent you with the glad tidings of the Olive leaves under the happy Government of Oliver our Protector. There is still listing of Soldiers in several places; and valiant Co. Goff (that faithful, prudent, and pious Assertor of England's Liberties) is very vigilant in preventing of Distempers, and careful to preserve the Peace and Tranquillity of these Nations. It is reported, that when the Articles are signed between the English and Dutch, that then certain Squadrons of these two incomparable Fleets are to spread their Canvas upon the Turkish Dominions; which will be a Work of singular excellency, and much tending to the never-dying Honour and Fame of his highness the Lord Protector throughout all Christendom.
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Newcastle 1 April 1654. came thus. Some Malignants in these parts are puffed upon a sudden, and give out they have hopes of the Scots, who are with a party come to Norwood Plane, within 14 miles of Carlisle; and some more would go to them, but that they fear the peace with Holland. The six Hamborough ships went from hence the last week. Get us but Convoys, and we shall supply you with Coals good store. A Petition was presented this day to the Council, from divers Merchants of the City of London, about some particulars touching the Customs. An Order lately passed touching Jersey. Innerness in Scotland, March 20 thus, These parts affords little more news of the Enemy (this week) than what I formerly gave you an account of Middleton and his Crew continues still in Caithness and Sutherland, in prosecution of their business; Glengarn and Kenmore with about 500 Horse and Foot marched by the Brays of Badgenoth, and faced Ruthen, where he sent the enclosed Letter, and received the underwritten Answer; they were expected to quarter at the head of Loughnesse the 17th. instant, and having joined with Glengary, were afterward to march to Middleton. They expected Athol should follow them within one day's march, of which if he failed, they feared he had deserted them. Glengary still threatens fire and sword to them that sails of answering his Warrants for Levies. SIR The last time I was in this Country, one of my Troopers named Angus McParsons being commanded to pass near the Castle, was by some of your Horsemen made Prisoner, if you will do me the favour to release him presently, and send him to me by this Bearer my Trumpet, I do oblige myself upon my Honour, to release to you any other Prisoner of the same quality of yours, that shall happen to fall into my hands upon your desire made known unto me, who am Sir, Your affectioned Friend and Servant, GLENCAIRNE. 15 of March, from Knigxsie. My Lord, Your Trooper is where he wants not that Civil Usage which you may befit his quality and Condition, neither shall, until you have one of ours of like quality to offer in exchange for him, until which time your Lordship must excuse my Detention of him; who am, My Lord, Your humble Servant, JO. HILL. Ruthen-Castle, March 15. 1653, An Ordinance was published for mending and keeping in better repair the Highways in this Nation, the substance, That every Parish is to choose once in the year two or more Surveyors, to serve one whole year. A Tax to be made for the payment of such charges as shall be requisite for that work, the Justices being empowered within the several limits of their Commission. That no Wagon or Cart go or travel upon the Highway, having any more than five Horses, or Mares, or six Oxen, and one Horse, That to any party so offending, all and every Constable hath power to stop all those that are supernumerary, or beyond the number specified, the party so offending, paying within seven days after the distress or seizure aforesaid, the Sum of twenty shillings for each Horse or Ox so distressed or seized, and in default thereof the Officer is empowered to sell them, levy the fine and other charges he hath been at for keeping of the said Horse or Oxen, and return the overplus to the party owner of them, That any Streets or Pavements in any City or Town Corporate, shall be counted as Highways, and each respective Scavenger to be as a Surveyor to his Parish, or Precinct: And lastly that the Act made in the time of Queen Mary, concerning the mending of the Causie between Shaftsbury & Sherborn shall be received and be in full force until the first of September 1662, you may see further at large by the Act itself printed. An Ordinance for Adjourning part of Easter Term, 1654. Whereas many abuses and corruptions are crept into the ordinary course and administration of Justice, both in Law and Equity, the Reformation whereof hath not yet been attained, out of a tender care and desire that so necessary and good a work may at length be brought to effect, It is held convenient and necessary to Adjourn part of the next Term of Easter; Be it therefore Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the consent of his Council, That part of the said term of Easter now next coming be Adjourned, that is to say, from and after the first Return called Quindena Pasch unto the first Return of Trinity Term called Crastino Trinitatis: And all and every person or persons, which have cause, or Commandment to appear in any of the Courts at Westminster, in or at any day, or time, from and after the said Return, called Quindena Pasch, and during the term called Easter Term may tarry at their dwellings, or to where their business shall lie, without resorting any of the said Courts for that Cause, and without danger or forfeiture, penalty or contempt to be in that behalf. And be it also Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, that the Writs of Adjournment shall be directed to the Justices of the said Courts, giving them Authority to Adjourn the said Term of Easter as aforesaid, that is to say, from and after the first return, called Quindena Pasc, until the first return of Trinity Term, called Crastino Trinitatis as before is said, and the said Adjournment shall be made as aforesaid, And be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, that all the Matters, Causes, and Suits depending in any of the said Courts shall have continuance, and the parties shall have day, from the day of the said Adjournment, until the said Return of Crastino Trinitatis, as is aforesaid; And the Lord's Commissioners of the Great Seal are required to issue forth Writs accordingly. And be it further Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, and all other Sheriffs both in England and Wales, do forthwith proclaim and publish this Ordinance in the chief Market Towns within their several and respective Counties. Plymouth 1 April, We have many prizes brought in hither, and the 10 instant is to be a survey of the prize goods, the value of which according to computation by some of good judgement, cannot be less than 140000 l. sterling. Edinburgh 19 March. The Enemy being gone Northward to body, we cannot (at present) hear from our Forces in the Lewis and Caithness for all our Letters are intercepted as they are carried through the Highlands. The Garrison of Cinkeler Castle kept by one of Col. Fitch's Company of Foot, besieged by Middleton, is relieved by two month's provisions sent in thither, and three months Provisions more, are going to them, which I will hope will be with them before this be with you, with Ammunition and other necessaries for their accommodation. The Castle in which they are is very strong, though the houses be mined. It is seated upon the top of a High Rock where the Sea comes almost round. It is a great difficulty for Forces to march into Southerland and Caithness, there being so many places to ferry, and but one or two Ferry-boats at a place, and at two of the Ferries the Enemy hath Garrisoned two houses to hinder passage, they have been very cruel in burning and destroying the Estates of those people that will not comply with them. I do not hear of any more ships come to Middleton, since those two vessels formerly mentioned which brought him over with about 80 ragged Officers with the Arms and Ammunition formerly mentioned. In the most remote parts of Scotland, the Glem Reynolds, and Sir James McDonald have bodied with a considerable strength against Middleton, and skirmished with parties, being resolved to keep that Army out of their Country if possible. Dalkeith, April 3. The enclosed relates this Northern news, To which I have only to add, That Capt. Sherwin Commander of the Primrose, and Cap. Smith Commander of the Duchess, in their return from Orkney took a Dutch Vessel laden with French, and Spanish Wines, linen Cloth, and other good Commodities, bound for the West Indies, which they sent into Aberdeen. Aberdeen March 28. 1654. The Earl of Athol is come to Glencarn with about 700 Horse and Foot, Seafort and some new raised Forces by him are daily expected to join with them. Glencarne with his whole force, being 2000 horse and foot is at Dingwel, two miles from Braban, not undeserving the name of an Island, which gives hopes of engaging Enemy there. In order to which, Lieut. Col. Mitchell is to march tomorrow towards Inverness with nine Companies of Foot, and Col. Morgan follows him the day after with five Troops of Col. Rich his Regiment, and four Troops of Dragoons. He intends to take with him Col. Tomlinson's Regiment, which is in his way, and to draw five Companies of Foot out of Inverness. Some young Lairds and others that had a purpose to glean a party of Horse in Lothian, and so repair to the Enemy, were lately taken, and carried Prisoners to Dalkeith. From Cowes in the Isle of Wight, April 6. A private man of War hath brought in two days since two small French vessels, the one laden with Salt, the other hath little in her but Ballast; there is nothing more of our Fleet, but that they are the most part near to Helens point, & the rest at the Spits head, being in all near 100 sail, gallant ships and bravely accommodated; here was likewise the Holland ship taken by one of our Frigates, who had 8 Bales of Paper, and some small quantity of Indico, and she is carried to Portsmouth: Here are at present several Merchant ships in this road being wind-bound, and expecting some Easterly winds to carry them on their voyage, and many that were here, went away yesterday morning towards the Downs. From Deale the 7. instant: The Ships that were in this road are for the most part gone up into the Thames, there remaineth only a few which are bound to the Southward, this day also passed by about forty or fifty sail of ships great and small, which we suppose to be the Dunkirk Fleet bound for London: And this morning is gone out of our men of War for Holland to get the Ratification of the Peace made with them and an Express from the Dutch Ambassadors of the Agreement. The Commissioners for approbation of public Preachers do humbly and earnestly beseech all the people of God throughout the Land, who shall send any Certificate to them, that they would not take things upon the Opinion and Report of others, but to certify their own personal knowledge and experience, so as neither any whom God accepteth may want the testimony of his Servants, nor any be recommended by them whom he disalloweth, lest guilt be contracted by you, to whose Testimonials so much is referred, as that through carelessness or partiality therein very unworthy men may unawares be admitted, to the dishonour of God, the prejudice of his Church, and the utter frustrating of the pious intentions of our Governors, besides the blot which will deservedly stick to them, not only for the present, but with posterity, and succeeding times, for as much as the Certificates now exhibited will appear upon Record. Newburgh upon the Donaw 11 March. On Thursday last, and several times since, hath appeared a strange sight, between Echniel and Unterstall, testified by many witnesses examined before the Judge of Naffenveld, of a Troop of black horsemen, and a Coach and some Wagons with many Footmen in several Liveries coming out of a Wood, and another troop in white which engaged with the black, but were put to flight. Then appeared a tall man in black, with some white strappings retiring towards Naffenveld, who with another strong party in white, fell upon the black, and the fight being ended, the black man grew less and less, and so vanished, the others retreating into the wood with a great smoke and noise as if a great army had been fighting; and the sound of Drums and Trumpets. Rome 7 March. The Duke of Terranneva, Ambassador from the King of Spain, received here in great pomp, hath kissed the Pope's feet, who seeks much to ingratiate himself with the Cardinals, and the Princes that are the Pope's Nephews, he resideth in the Cardinal Trivalcio's Palace, and is shortly to have public audience. The Pope sent him variety of fruits, costly wines, and sweet meats. Venice 9 March, There have been 12 French, English and Holland ships arrived at Constantinople, to take service under the Turks. Orders have been sent from thence into Barbary and money also, and the Commissions to seize upon all ships that shall be found. Signieur Delfino Provider of our fleet, hath taken six of the Turks' ships going with Victual from Canea, which are brought into the harbour of Candia. Dantzick 14 March. In the assembly of the States at Warsaw, the Spirituality have declared highly against the peace with the Cossacks; in which the King hath consented to break the league between the Romish and Greek Churches, and both demand restitution of their Churches, yet it thought to be only a pretence for the great Duke of Muscovy to make war with Poland, into which Kingdom he is already entered in person with 50000 men, to besiege Smolensko, and hath sent 40000 men more towards Pezzois, and 40000 more to join with the Cossacks, and is desired of General Radzivel of Litton, to relieve Smolensko, and the King demands assistance of the Prince of Sevenburgh, and of the Hospadith Kreymisken Seron, and the Tartarians; all which are engaged to him by the last treaty, and have long desired war with the Muscovites. Liege 23 March. The French have taken Hart in Limburgh by storm, and put all to the sword, and got a great booty, and have retreated thence to Luxembourg, and the Spanish forces of Loraine, Conde and Wittemburgh, are advanced to Namur, where the Prince is in person, such store of cattle are brought hither plundered from the French (from whom some have been redeemed) that a Cow hath been sold for a 2 s. and some for 18 d. Genoa 13 March. The King of Spain is making great preparations for war, and hath laid new Imposts on Tobacco, Wool and Salt. The Queen is said to be again with child. Paris 27 March, Don Joseph de Margnerita is Governor of Catalonia, the Lords there solicit hard for relief, 10 Companies of French, and 4 of Switzers are gone this day towards Calaus to reinforce the Garrisons thereabouts for fear of the English, suspect some attempt over Bulloign. The Duke of Guise intends for Italy and Naples. Saturday last the Earl Ambijoux Governor of Montpellier and three more were hanged in Effigy, for having fought a Duel two months since. The putting down of Officers called Eleus incenses many against the Court, several Families that engaged their whole Estates and Friends to buy Places there being undone by it. This and the new Impositions that are contrived to get monies from the people, besides the ordinary Taxes, cause great complaints and discontents in France, Charles Stuart is looked on at a greater distance than ever. This day was this following Declaration presented to his Highness the Lord Protector, by Col. Barkstead who had great expressions of thanks from his Highness. Moot-hall in Colchester. At the Assembly of Mr. Mayor, with the Aldermen, Assistants, and Common-council of the said Town, April 6. 1654. The Honourable Col. Barkstead Lieut. of the Tower of London, high Steward of the said Town of Colchester, being then and there present. At this assembly it is earnestly desired by the said Mayor, Aldermen, Assistance and Common Council, that the said high Steward should present their humble duties and services unto the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland; and to let his Highness know, how readily, cheerfully, and willingly they have submitted, and do submit themselves to his Highness's Government, and to return humble thanks to his Highness, for giving their high Steward leave to come amongst them. This is entered into the Town Register with the hands of the Mayor, Aldermen, Common-council and free Burgesses. Wil. Cockerel Town Clerk. Colchester 8. April, 1654. Upon knowledge of Col. Berkstead's coming hither, who after the death of the Earl of Holland was freely chosen by this Town to be our High Steward. Tuesday 4. instant, The Mayor, Aldermen, Common-council and Burgesses with some Coaches, and about 200 Horse met him three miles off, Mr. Barnardiston the Recorder then alighted out of his Coach, and made a short Speech to him, which was answered by the High Steward, and after loving salutes of the Company, they attended him to the Town where 10000 more met to welcome him: after he had been at the Mayor's, he went with them to the Sessions then held for the Town where the High Steward was sworn free Burgess, and a Justice of Peace, the latter of which Oaths were also given to the Mayor and all the Justices present, To execute their duties as Justices of Peace according to the best of their skill, and knowledge, under this present Government. Wednesday 5 They met at a Sermon. Thursday 6, There met a greater number of Aldermen, Common-council and Burgesses than usual, where the High Steward made a Speech, which gave an abundance of satisfaction to all present: After which there was a DECLARATION agreed on and signed by them all, to be sent to his Highness by their High Steward, after which he was not only accompanied by the Mayor, and the many Aldermen and Gentlemen three miles on his way towards London, but some of the chief of the Town rode before to the Inn where we was to lie that night, and there prepared against his coming, a Banquet of Sweet-meats which they carried from Colchester with them. A Congratulation was delivered to his Highness by the Lord Strickland, Mr. Rushworth, and Mr. Muddison (the Agent for Newcastle) as followeth, which was the second that was presented, and had then a thankful Answer. May it please your Highness, Many of the precious servants of God in these Nations (over which the Lord hath set your Highness) have gotten upon their watch Tower to see if they can discover what hath been the eminent design of the Lord in these latter days. For the All -wise God hath of late visibly been out of his common road of Providences, his paths have been in tempests and thick darkness, plucking up by the roots the greatest of men, and the highest of Powers, like Cedars in Lebanon, that he might make way for the glorious bringings forth of Truth and Righteousness. And we question not but the Lord is fulfilling that great Prophecy, Isa. 60. 17. I will make thine Officers Peace, and thy Exactors Righteousness . For when we consider how the Lord hath eminently made your Highness Instrumental for the breaking off the Iron yoke from off the necks of the three Nations, and likewise hath invested you with the Supreme Power of this Commonwealth, whereby you may be exceedingly Instrumental to the Lord Jesus in the advancing of his Kingdom in Righteousness and Peace, we having the sense of these things with weight upon our spirits, having judged it our duty to profess our great Resentment of this signal mercy from the hands of our God, and do solemnly bless the Lord for setting up your Highness over this great people, and shall endeavour through the strength of Christ, to live in all humble obedience to your Highness, as becometh those who are under your Government and Protection. Febr. 25. 1653. Signed in the name, and by Order of the Common Council of Newcastle upon Tyne, Wil Johnson Mayor. Brishaw 19. March, There are great complaints and bewailings in this Country of the oppression of the poor Protestants by the Papists, by whom they are more and more persecuted, and not only deprived of the liberty of their Meetings in their Church, but also from Christening their children, and forced to have them brought up in Popery. Naples 7 March. Three English ships richly laden, coming from Smyrna, were by Cape Spartivento set upon by three French men of War after a hot fight one of them was taken by the French, another stranged, and the third fled away by Missinas. The 25. of the last month the Mont Visure began to cast fire and ashes, the people ran into the Churches and rung the bells, to give warning of it all the Country about. Rome 14 March. The Pope hath made nine new Cardinals to fill the Consistory. The Ambassador of Spain hath had his first public audience with a magnificent equipage and company, being followed by 300 coaches of Prelates and other great persons of quality of several Nations. The Cardinal Pamphilio is still in the Castle of Sambuci, and is to leave the arms and other prerogatives and qualities which he enjoyed as the Pope's Nephew. Venice 25 March. The Venetians having besieged Elim in Dalmatia, and not well secured their quarters, have been set upon by the Turks with 5000 horse and 2000 foot, and forced to retreat in disorder with the loss of 1000 men, amongst whom were many of the chief Officers, the General of the Morlacks deadly wounded. Frankford 29 March. Col. Wyngard in the Castle of Falkenstein, turned a Minister living by him, out of his house with his wife and children, after he had plundered the same, pretending he had spoken ill of the Duke of Lorain, the said Parson seeking revenge, took to sit a time for it, that when a strong party was sent out of the Castle, he with some country people the 25 instant came very early in the morning, and assaulting the castle-gate with great force, got in, killed the Soldiers which they found in arms, and their Commander in his bed, and so delivered that Castle from those plunderers. Flushen 2 April. The last Monday arrived here two West India ships richly laden with Indico, Hides, Sugars and other goods. There are ten fire ships preparing at Calice, which are to be made use of in the Straits, cap. Bastian Sensen, Cap. Brandt, Cap. Brugge, Cap. Philips Ras, are all in company gone from hence two days since, for the coasts of Portugal, where some other freebooters more are to follow. Paris 3 April. The King went the 27 of the last month to the Parliament, where an Arrest or sentence was exhibited against the Prince of Conde, and his abettors, containing that he shall be executed by whatsoever kind of death his Majesty shall be willing to command, being declared guilty of the crime of high Treason: all his Lands and personal estate, and whatsoever goods, are to be forfeited to the King, he is declared incapable for ever of pretending to the Crown, and forbidden to use any more of the name of Bourbon, and is deprived of all dignities, or prerogatives of a Prince of the Blood, that all his Arms in whatsoever things engraved, printed or set up, shall be broken and defaced. The same sentence was the next day pronounced by the Parliament in scarlet Robes, the King being there sitting in his bed of Justice. There was also other sentences given in a particular against some of the Prince's followers, the Earl of Bouteville, the Marq. Of Persan, the Gen. Marsin, the Presidents Viole and Laisne, the which are condemned to be beheaded at the place of Greve in Paris, in case they can be taken, otherwise they shall be hanged in effigy in the same place. As concerning the Lords Meilles, Chamilley, Cerisi, Montalt, du Lignon, du Harlay, de Aumont, la Bernaise de St. Estienne, and St. Martin, as also the Earls of Fiesque, Bouteville de Duras, de St. Hibal, and one called Servienti, there shall be informations made, and proceedings against them accordingly. Four days ago the Cardinal of Retz was by the mediation of the first President de Bellieur, and of the Marshall de la Melleray freed out of the Bois de Vicennes to be carried to the Town of Nantes in Brittany, to resign there into the hands of the King, the Archbishopric of Paris, worth 120000 Livers per annum, to be disposed as his Majesty shall think fit, and he shall receive in compensation seven Abbeys, to dispose of them, and the sum of 200000 Livers in money. Amsterdam 11 April. stilo novo. The Lord Lieutenant Admiral Opdam, the Vice Admiral Ruiter and young Tromp, Scout by night are here at this present. The Drums do beat lustily, and great number of Seamen are gathered, so that our fleet as well in the Sud as in the Nord of Holland, and Freezland and Zealand is making ready in all haste to go to Sea, but all gape for Peace. An express is sent by the States to the K. of Denmark to Geluckstadt. This day three men were hanged at Tyburn from Newgate one who had killed a Strumpet he kept company with in Old-street, when he was condemned did curse and revile the Court, & most desperately died this day; he carried a bottle of sack with him in the Cart, and as he was going near Sepulchres Church, swore God damn him, he would fill his guts with Sack before he died. Edinburgh 3 April. Notwithstanding all the several beatings those which raise levies meet with, yet so inveterate is the malice of these people against us, that they will be barking: several parties of them that have been up in Galloway have been met withal, and within these 4 or 5 days Maj. Bridges with a party of Col. Okie's took 8 of the Rebels, and 12 Horse in one place, in another place killed 3. took 8 and 25 Horse. Cornet Kennet with a party of 20 horse of Maj. Gen. Harrison's late Regiment, coming from Dumfries, a party of 40 of the Enemy made an attempt upon them, they received the onset, and then charged through them, routed the Rebels, killed 4 on the place, took 6 (whereof 3 mortally wounded) and divers horse. The next day Lieut. Hickman of that same Regiment joining with him engaged a party of 80 of the Rebels, took 11 prisoners, and above 20 horse, Cap. Campbel who commanded them was shot in the back, his horse taken, but himself escaped. Glencairn, Glengary, &c. are gone over Tayne into Sutherland to join with Middleton, they give themselves out to be 4000. but I doubt not but Col. Morgan will engage them with his party. Montrosse and the Lord Dudhop are raising their Levies upon the Brays of Angus, they two will be met withal in time. Glascow 3 April, thus. Lieutenant Hickman whom Col. Cooper sent out with a party of Horse towards Galloway, met with the Enemy about 80 horse, who routed them and took 23 horse, wounded the Capt. that commanded the party, killed 5 men, and wounded divers, and took 11 prisoners. This day was published this following Ordinance: Whereas many abuses and corruptions are crept into the ordinary course and administration of Justice, both in Law and Equity, the Reformation whereof hath not yet been attained; Out of a tender care and desire that so necessary and good a work may at length be brought to effect, It is held convenient and necessary to adjourn part of the next Term of Easter; Be it therefore Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the consent of his Council, that part of the said Term of Easter now next coming be Adjourned, that is to say, from and after the first Return called Quindena Pasch unto the last Return of the said Easter Term, called Crastino Assesionis; and all and every person or persons, which have cause, or commandment to appear in any of the Courts at Westminster, in or at any day, or time, from and after the said Return, called Quindena Pasch, and during the term called Easter Term may tarry at their dwellings, or where their business shall lie, without resorting to any of the said Courts for that cause, until the said last Return called Crastino Assensionis, without danger of forfeiture, penalty, or contempt to be in that behalf. And be it also Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, that Writs of Adjournment shall be directed to the Justices of the said Courts, and Barons of the Exchequer, giving them authority to adjourn the said part of the said term of Easter, as aforesaid, that is to say, from and after the said first Return, called Quindena Pasc, until the said last Return of the said Term, called Crastino Assensionis, as before is said, and the said Adjournment shall be made, as aforesaid. And be it further Ordained, that all Matters, Causes, and Suits depending in any of the said Courts, shall have continuance, and the parties shall have day, from the day of the said Adjournment, until the said Return of Crastino Assensionis, as is aforesaid; And the Lords Commissioners of the Great Seal are required to issue forth Writs accordingly. And be it further Ordained, That a former Ordinance of the sixth day of this instant April, for the Adjourning of part of the said Term, until the first Return of Trinity Term next, called Crastino Trinitatis, be from henceforth repealed and void. And it is lastly Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, that the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, and all other Sheriffs both in England and Wales, do forthwith proclaim and publish this Ordinance in the chief Market Towns and usual places within their several and respective Counties. It is advertised, That the Peace is welcome news to the States of Holland &c. and that they will suddenly send a Messenger with Thanks to their Ambassadors, and their Approbation; and then it is to be published by both, on the same day. That there shall be a closer Alliance and Confederacy between the Commonwealth of England, and the States of the United Provinces, than was ever heretofore. That the Peace be published by both Commonwealths, upon one and the same day; after which, all acts of Hostility to cease after 10 days in the British Seas; from thence to the Cape of St. Vincent after six weeks, and to the Mediterranean Sea after ten weeks, and the furthest parts before eight months ; after which, all prizes to be restored. That all acts past be forgotten, and all prisoners on both sides released; both to defend each other against all enemies, neither to act anything against the other. That all Hostility cease between England and Denmark; none to assist the Rebels of either Nation with any supply, but assist each other against them; and the one not to receive those the other declares to be enemies, but cause them upon notice to depart within 28 days, upon pain of death. That no private persons be suffered to assist the enemies of either, not to pay to either greater Impositions than the others. The State's ships to strike their Flags to the English in the British Seas; no retreat to be given to Pirates in any of the Posts of either; each to comprehend the other in any Treaty with any Nation, if desired. That if any particular persons break the Peace, it shall not break the National Confederacy, but those that do it to be punished. The Subjects of each to travel freely through all quarters of each, by Water or Land, not exceeding forty in a company, and submitting to the Laws where they are. That in storms each may have harbour under other, if they break not Bulk, without paying of Customs. The Merchants or Mariners of other Commonwealth not to be pressed to serve under the other, but on inevitable necessity, and then to have satisfaction. That in each other's Country , they pass between their Ships and Inns with lawful Weapons, Offensive and Defensive. That all ships of both Commonwealths defend each other against all whomsoever, sailing their course together. That if any other take any ships out of either of their Dominions, both parties to engage against them, until restitution be made. The Searchers of both, to take no more of any of either, than their Instructions. Letters of Reprisal not to be given for damage caused, if in 3 months , satisfaction may be had. That such as have private Commissions, put in good security not to damage the Subjects of either Commonwealth, That not above 8 ships of War remain in any Port of the other's Commonwealth, without consent. That Justice be done by the States on those that are alive, that murdered the English in Amboyna. That there be Commissioners on both sides to examine the Differences of the Inhabitants of both Nations in the East Indies, Greenland, Muscovy, Brazil, or other places, and if they cannot agree within three months , to refer to it to be determined by the Protestant Switzers. Security is already given for payment of the moneys to the Eastland Company, upon the business of Denmark, and the sum agreed upon. Some Merchants have Letters that the Messenger is coming from the State; and that the Peace it is thought will be proclaimed tomorrow Sevennight, and that an Agent is coming from Denmark. A Messenger is sent from the King of France also to the French Ambassador here. Ambassadors are coming from several Princes. The Scots rise in several parties in the Lowlands, and 4 or 500 have been lately dispersed in several parties, and divers of them killed and taken, Gen. Monk is gone to take the command of the Forces in Scotland, An Ordinance is past tendering pardon, only with some Exceptions, 1000 of the Scots have gotten leave to be transported to serve the Queen of Sweden, or the Grand Duke of Muscovy, which they shall choose, The Commissioners for approbation of public Preachers sit in Whitehall , near the great gate. On Friday next his Highness intends to come to Whitehall, and is that day to Dine there. A very stout bay Gelding, with a black Mane and a black Tail, branded with a Cross in an Escutcheon upon one of his hind Legs, and a cleft in one of his hinder Hoofs to the Toe. Lost from Woodford-Bridge in the County of Essex about ten days since, if any can bring the Horse (or tidings of him) to the Water-mill at Woodford, or to Mr. Charles Barker, (an Attorney) at his Office in Wood Street London near the Counter, he shall have twenty shillings for his pains.
Severall Proceedings of State Affaires, Issue 237
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There have been many various reports concerning the Lord Whitlock, who is gone Ambassador for Sweden: He was employed upon the account of the late Parliament, which dissolved themselves; and since that, some of the adverse party have given forth in speeches, that he was stabbed or killed: Now that the world may take notice what such discontented spirits may utter in a case of such consequence, be pleased to take a true relation, not only of his Lordship's passage, but his safe arrival there, as it came from a known hand, in near employment to his Honour. We began to set sail from Gravesend, Novemb. 6. but the wind coming too much into the North, and being not able to get clear of the sands that day, we were enforced to cast anchor near Quinborow; The next day, the wind standing fair, we set sail again, and made a very large course, until about noon the day after, at which time the wind turned full against us, so that we were afraid that we should have been necessitated to put into Yarmouth Road. But the wind favoured us again for a little time, and we made forwards, yet it was not long ere we were very much becalmed; and so we were exercised with uncertainties of winds until the 12 instant, when there came a very fair wind, which carried us on with full sail, so that on the 14 instant at night we cast anchor on this side the Scagen, and we came on the 15 betimes in the River. As we came along our ship met with some Holland Fishermen, and boarded one of them, but my Lord Ambassador willing to pass peaceably over the sea, released it again, which did exceedingly overjoy them, who had been undone in his own thoughts before; yet the Elizabeth, being one of the Frigates that carried some of our Company, staying behind to bring up one of the Baggage ships, met with a small Dutch Caper, and boarded it, and brought it along with them. We were not altogether without rough and stormy weather, especially the last night, when we anchored at the Scagen, insomuch that we were afraid we should have lost one of the Baggage ships, which was but very slenderly provided with tacklings, yet (through the goodness of God) we were all come safe, and there is none sick amongst us, nor any thing lost; As soon as ever we were come into the River, being weary of the sea, we made haste to the shore, so that the Governor and Magistrates of the town could not be ready to give us that solemn reception as they intended. The next day the three Presidents, with the Magistrate, came to salute my Lord in a very handsome Equipage, and one of them made a Speech to him in Latin, wherein he acquainted his Lordship, That they had received positive commands from the Queen to demonstrate all respects to the English Ambassador, whom she had received notice would arrive here in a short time; and withal desired his Lordship's excuse, that they were not prepared to give him a more pompous entertainment at his first landing. Afterwards the Governor came to give his Salutation, which he performed with great civility and respect. And indeed they are very ready to accommodate us in any thing, and to give us all possible help and assistance in our intended journey towards the Court. The Queen is at present at Upsalia, but we are uncertain whether she intends to reside there all this winter; it is supposed that she may return again to Stockholm, there dying but two of the sickness the last week; our journey thither will be very tedious and chargeable; and we now begin to find experience that those that are employed upon such solemn Missions into so barren a Country, must needs be supplied with a very large purse: After that we have refreshed ourselves, and rested our horses here for a few days, we shall begin our journey, having already sent Letters to the Court of his Lordship's arrival; we must be enforced to carry all our baggage by land; the Presidents of the City after consultation had amongst themselves giving us this advice, which will be a very vast charge. Weymouth 2 Jan. 1653. A Jersey vessel went Saturday last out of this Harbour homewards, but the same nigh a very great storm rose at Sea, and brought the ship back again upon our Coast, where she was cast away in the West-bay between Portland and Rotberry all the men being cast away but the shipman and two passengers that were soldiers going over to Jersey or Guernsey From Milford Haven, Jan. 2. There are several Vessels here bound for Ireland, but stayed here by reason of the contrary winds; we have not of late heard any news from thence: The Picaroons are full plying about the Isle of Lundy, and often come into the Severn mouth, where sometimes they catch some of our small vessels. There is nothing more from our Fleet, but that part of them are about Plymouth, and other places to the Westward, some be out towards the coast of Brittany, to try whether they can meet the Brest men of War, who have now got good ships, and have a considerable strength at Sea. This week arrived the fleet from Dunkirk consisting of about 40 sail, whereof a good part are laden with rich goods, as silks wrought and unwrought linen, thread &c. There is come likewise 5 ships from the East-land, as also one from Zant with Currans, but as yet not come up the River. The Dutch Commissioners, whom we mentioned before to be gone to Gravesend in order to take shipping for Holland, have not yet set sail, but remain there, and have some further application to his Highness and his Council which whether or no it will occasion their coming back again to make absolute Agreement, a short time will discover. By several Letters from Holland yesterday, we had the certain Intelligence, That upon Tuesday last was sevennight they had about Amsterdam, a most fearful Thunder, Lightning and Tempest, (as about the same time we had by other letters was the like at Pembroke in Wales) and that by this Thunder and Lightning there were about 500 houses burned and destroyed in and near Amsterdam, besides above 40 Merchants' ships sunk in the Texel, and many other great damages, the particulars whereof you shall have further by the next, when a more exact account comes. Dalkeith Decemb. 29. Major Bramston's pad light upon Sir Arthur Forbs upon Saturday last, had not a Pebbles sent him notice of our parties coming thither, he being then at the Kirk of Atterick very sore wounded, yet upon hearing of their approach marched towards the Hills, his number being th made 70 horse by the occasion of one Capt. Steward with 20 horse, our men took two more of them also, who were in the former fight, and took one Moss-Trooper also. The enemy have now a garrison in Roldeu about ten miles from Dunbarton, from whence they came commanded by one Colgrave, with about 80 foot last week to Dunbarton, and in the dead of the night took two of the Bailiffs and other principal men of the town to the number of 36, whom they threaten to keep till they send in 4 horsemen, and 37 footmen for their levies. From Paris, Janua. 10. 1654, stilo novo. The last news from our Army in Alsatia imply, That the Marshal de la Ferte hath invested B stort, and is now making his Lines of Communication, and other works belonging to a siege; there hath been several pieces of Ordinance drawn out of Nancy, which are on the way, and will come to the Leaguer as soon as any batteries will be raised to plant them upon; the Marquis de Uxeiles is to be Lieutenant General, and is expected to be there with 3000 men. This design hath much alarmed the Country, and so much the more, since the yielding up of the strong Castle of Philipsburgh, which was taken by a surprisal without the loss of one, the manner thus, The Deputy Governor being gone a hunting with Commonwealthsome of the high Officers of that Garrison, notice being given to one of the Cardinal's creatures, he embraced with alacrity that occasion, and being come into the place, he so prevailed upon the garrison, that he became Master of the place, and this Deputy Governor being come in the evening, knowing not what had passed, found the bridge drawn up, and entrance denied him; whereupon he was forced to retire speedily. The Duke d'Amville being sent by the King to Blois, to try once more whether he could prevail with the Duke of Orleans, and to bring him again to the Court, returned back this week, and the report is at Court, that he hath brought a very good answer, and that he will be shortly in this City, but others are of a contrary opinion. The Duke de Guise is still going on in his preparations for his intended design for Naples against the next Spring. The States assembled in Provence are now sitting at Bagnolle, where the Duke of Mercoeur the Governor, and the other Procurators are also gone: they sit daily, and hope to rectify many abuses, and redress grievances which much burden the people there. The Charge of High Treason against the Prince of Conde is finished, only it wants to be engrossed. The Prince hath surprised a little Town and a Castle in Champagne, and plundered the Country pitifully. A List hath been brought to his Majesty of the Regiment of the Guard, which is found to consist of about 6000 men fit for service. The Commissioners for Creditors and poor prisoners sit constantly at Salters' Hall, and have done much good during the time of their sitting. From France the Letters say, that there be 26 Articles of High Treason drawn up against the Prince of Conde, and though he was once so exceeding popular that he was for a time able to maintain a war against the King; yet now he is fallen from the top of that slippery Pinnacle on which he climbed, there be but few that can afford him a good word. Further from Holland, thus. We daily expect 150 ships from the Sound, several Men of War are gone for their Convoy. The Ordnance brought from Sweden have been tried at Amsterdam, there are 500 pieces, most part half Cartows. Captain Nicholas Pater hath taken an English Ketch before Hull, another at Flamboroughhead; a Flute of 12 Guns, and 4 of Wood, of about 130 Lasts, with Hemp, Flax, Coals, and some Salt-peter. Also near Whitebay a Pinnace of fix Guns, with refined Salt, and one by the Hover, laden with Salmon, Sheep skins, and Herrings; but the loss of Captain Hans Margaren's ship, a man of War with 18 guns, which we hear the English have taken near Newcastle, is worth almost all these; and we hear of eight ships taken from the Caribes, with Sugar, Tobacco, and other Merchandise, with their Convoy of thirty guns. Eight of the Newfoundland Fleet we took, are made men of War. We have taken a Turkish ship and another in Smyrna. One Goldshalk hath rowed an English prize of 12 Guns into Brest. An English Frigate met with 5 French ships of St. Malo, took one called the Year of Grace, the Three Kings hardly escaped, not yet heard of, the other three are at Calice. Cornelius Joast, with Thymen Theancase, with the Ammunition are safely arrived from hence in Muscovia. By Letter from several parts beyond the seas, we hear, That there is like to be hot War by Russia and Muscovia against Poland, and is already proclaimed in Muscovia, and the Deputies are sending to all the Princes in Christendom about it. One Army (and the biggest) is marched from Muscovia, towards Smolonsko, and so on in the County; The Emperor will be there in person. A second commanded by Field-Marshal Bows, Petrootts, Sermotoft, and Semon, Gock, Janovies, Streesnop, go from Blascow in Rusland with 40000 men, amongst which 20000 well trained Russians. The third of 30000 from Potien, to the help of the Zaporasse Cossacks. This day the great calamity in Holland was again confirmed; it is affirmed that the Lightning leaping from the clouds, when the Thunder chid, the Houses began to take fire, and that 500 of them suddenly were devoured by it. At the same time the wind arising, the Billows in vast tumults began to move towards the Town, as if they made haste to put out the fire. By the high workings of the Sea the Mariners did presage the danger to come, and therefore used all their art and care to keep their ships at a distance, lest in the foulness of the weather, they should fall foul on one another, but their diligence could not make that quick dispatch, before a most violent gust clapped them together, and being involved in one danger, about 40 of them did suffer in one ruin. But others (to whom rather I incline) do affirm, that the fire was four miles from Amsterdam, at their rope mills, where were their stores both of Hemp, and Oil, which served to increase the flame, 400 houses are said to be there burned, and about 30 ships sunk by the Tempest. By this Post from Scotland it was certified, that, by virtue of a pretended Commission from Charles Stuart, Glencarn, whom the Highlanders call their General, issueth forth Warrants for the levying of men, horse and arms in a high nature, beginning thus. James, Earl of Glencarn and Kenmore &c. These are straightly to charge and command you, to levy and have in readiness out of your Shiredom, 100 horse well manned and armed, by the day of January; at which time you shall receive further Orders from me, to repair to such place of Rendezvous as shall be appointed: Whereof you are not to fail, &c. Our men are drawn forth of Edinburgh, and other garrisons, and are busy in chasing the enemy from place to place, and daily take many of these thieving Villains, and three Regiments are marched from hence towards Scotland. It is likely they would soon be quelled if they would stand to fight. From Portsmouth they write, That a Squadron of our fleet have taken very lately 6 prizes from the Hollanders. The preparations in Holland for War is very great, and they talk of some great matters agreed upon betwixt them and the French, but nothing openly declared, till they hear what becomes of their Treaty with England. The titular King of Scots' Commission to the Highlanders, and the warrants issued forth thereupon, in the name of James Earl of Glencarn and Kenmore. The strange accidents that have happened in Holland by Thunder, Lightning and Fire. Further news concerning the Treaty. Letters from the Lord Ambassador Whitlock out of Sweden. Several Prizes taken from the Hollanders by our Fleet, and other intelligence from several parts. An iron grey Nag, between 6 and 7 years old, about 13 and 14 hand high, with a white saddle spot on each side of the back, towards the wither, with a straight back, well raised together, with a sound buttock; a long thin ear, something uptight, paces very even and well, and flat limbed, docked and bobbed, and about an handful grown below the dock, if not cut since he was stolen; lost out of the ground of James Hawks of Hebridge in the County of Essex, within a mile of Maldon, on the 3 of this instant January. If any can give notice of him to the said James Hawks at Hebridge; or to Mr. Games at the White Horse within Algate, London; or to Edward Vaentine of Hockleton in the County of Northampton, and they shall have Thirty shillings for their pains.
A Perfect Account, Issue 157
PerfDiOcc02
From Monday, May. 8. to Monday, May 15. 1654. By Letters from Deale dated May 6. thus: About forty sail of our Fleet are come up this way, and ride before this town, and most of the rest of the Fleet we hear are coming after in order (as we understand) to a general Rendezvous, but a Squadron is gone either towards the Isle of Jersey, or S. Males, for we hear of some affronts offered to the English there by the French; and it is admitted how they dare to do it, as the affairs of England stand in this juncture of time: but it may the great ones will not own it: Many vessels that have been trading abroad daily come home, and many Merchant-men are laden and going forth. From Upsal in Sweden April 8. Now we are able to give you a satisfactory account of my Lord Ambassador's negotiations there; for a firm peace is concluded in the behalf England with the Queen of Sweden, which is as well resented here as it can be acceptable to England: The Articles are engrossing, and are within few days to be signed, sealed, and delivered to both parties. The Queen looks upon this business as a thing crowneth the rest of her actions, that so great a work should be accomplished just at the laying down of her Crown. The persons commissionated to treat and conclude with my Lord were the Lord Chancellor, and his second son Count Erich. The success having thus answered the expectation of our coming hither, we shall have little to do but wait for orders to call us back. Upon the Queen's resigning her government she is to take possession of the Isle of Orland, and other revenues which were given to the Crown, and all other estates which she gave by way of gratuity to Courtiers and Favourites are to return unto her: she hath already resigned unto her the isle of Oesel, which is worth 100000. livers a year. The Prince Palatine, who is now to be crowned, is a man of great judgment and valour. Here is an army of thirty thousand able soldiers, and forty gallant men of war, but the design they are to go upon is kept very secret. By a Merchant ship newly come home we are advertised, that many ships have been lately cast away by storm, whereof one was a Dutch Merchant ship of great value, coming from Lubon, having in her fifteen ton of gold, which was cast away upon the Sicilian sea. The French are preparing what men of war and galleys they can for the relief of Rosa, a port-town besieged by the Spaniard. From Holland they write, that the articles of peace ratified by his Highness the Lord Protector are come safe to the States General, and that they are proclaimed there, at which the Merchants expressed great joy, and the States General have appointed a day of thanksgiving for this happy peace, and there is great preparations for feasting, and make bonfires that day. The Lord Le Brun, (the Spanish Ambassador at the Hague) and his Secretary have signified to the States, that he hath order to negotiate the affairs of State there, and complained that the Hollander doth prejudice the Spanish trade in the East Indies. An Ordinance came forth touching the Excise, That all goods and merchandize mentioned in the book of Rates for the Customs (except Bullion, Corn, Victuals, Arms, Ammunition, Ordnance of Brass or Iron, and Wool, exported or imported, which are not in the said Rates of Excise before or otherwise charged) shall hereafter pay Excise after the rate of five pound per cent. to be paid by the first buyer from the Merchant or Importer; and that from March 25. last the revenue of the Excise shall be but one Receipt, and brought into one general Revenue. This day was ordered to be printed a Declaration of his Highness the L. Protector for setting apart a day of thanksgiving, which follows thus. A Declaration set forth by his Highness the Lord Protector for a day of Thanksgiving for the peace with Holland, and for the the late seasonable Rain. That this hath been a Nation of blessings, in the midst whereof so many wonders have been brought forth by the outstretched arm of the Almighty, even to astonishment and wonder. Who can deny? Ask we the Nations of this matter, and they will testify, and indeed the dispensations of the Lord have been as if he had said, England thou art my firstborn, my delight amongst the Nations, under the whole Heavens the Lord hath not dealt so with any of the people round about us. The Lord having added another Link to this golden Chain of his loving kindness, by giving us a Peace with our Neighbours the United Provinces, (whereby he hath not only stopped a great issue of blood, but We trust also given us hearts to unite Our blood and strength for the mutual defence of each other) calls for great return of Thanks for the same. It is therefore thought fit to set apart Tuesday, being the 23. of this present May, as a day for Praise, and for the thankful Acknowledgment of this blessing of Peace, which we hope hath in the womb of it many other blessings. And let us not forget our other Mercies, was not the Earth lately so unusually parched up that it threatened Famine, and did cause the Beast of the said field to mourn for want of food, and water to sustain it? And hath not the Lord so watered the Earth that he hath turned those fears into the expectation of the greatest plenty that ever was seen by any now living in this Nation? Consider we also the way whereby the Lord imparted this mercy to us, did any amongst us foreknow it was coming, was it not stirring upon hearts to seek the same by prayer, and that immediately before the Lord vouchsafed us this mercy &c. This day begun the Sessions in the Old Bailey whereof more hereafter. Since Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne was carried to the Isle of Jersey, his friends sued forth a Habeas Corpus, and sent at away by a messenger, who took shipping at Weymouth about a fortnight since (as he intimated to some friends here in London) since which they have heard nothing from him; yet is not Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburne tried or executed, as was falsely reported. Edinburgh 3 May. General Monk hath had meetings with a Council of Officers, and we are in preparations against the forces from England come, to be ready to march into the Field after Col. Morgan, who hath so frighted the Enemy in the Hills, that they durst not venture to come out, but have found a way through the Hills to get Provisions, which we wonder how they came by. Middleton hath, we hear, sent a Messenger to the Islands, to double their Guards. Some Scotch Towns have made stay of a few passengers, but not considerable: We have taken a few Country people that were going towards the Hills. There hath been great plunderings in the North of Scotland: There hath been lately no considerable actions, but two or three small skirmishes with parties. General Blake is with the Fleet in the Downs; Letters from Spain and France both say they are afraid of them. General Pen is near ready to return to the Fleet. The business of the Law goes on apace, which will be to the great ease of the Nation in regulating the course of the Law, that it may be with much Justice, Ease, and Speed. The Dutch have had Peace proclaimed, and a day of Thanksgiving kept. From Colonels Morgan's quarters at Dingwell in the North of Scotland, thus, we are more wearied by often alarms and watching than with fighting, for though the enemy brag and boast high, yet they rather make choice to stay with their main body in the mountains, than stand to the hazard of a Battle. Middleton hath bestirred him since his coming into Southerland, and told Glencarne to his face, that if himself had not been there they had been all lost before this. The best intelligence we can gather of them is very doubtful, for the ordinary sort are so extremely ignorant that they cannot, and the better sort so maliciously cunning, that they will not inform us. On Sunday last a party of theirs met another of ours at a place called Dumgith, where they had a short skirmish, in which we killed four of the Enemy, and took nine prisoners, one whereof sayeth, that their Officers told them, that they expected very suddenly a considerable number of foreign Forces to come over to them. We hear that General Monk is upon his march on this side Stirling, to join with us, his coming may prove very seasonable, for certainly if the enemy's numbers are so great as is reported, they will be forced by hunger itself to forsake the mountains, and either fight us or endeavour to pass by us, and then we should be sure to make them fight before they get back again. The late differences amongst their chief Officers are not quite salved up yet, neither have they yet completed their Levies. By the next it's probable you will have more of action, but this is all all at present from Dingwell May 7. 1654. Your Friend and Servant, J. H. An Ordinance came forth for doubling further upon, and finishing the sale of Deans, Dean's and Chapter's lands, and of Manors of Rectories Glebe Lands, &c. wherein it is ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, with the consent of his Council, That over and above the sum of three hundred thousand pounds appointed to be borrowed upon the security held forth by a late Act of Parliament, and over and above the sum of one hundred and twenty thousand pounds more borrowed upon the security held forth in two other Acts. The sum of twenty thousand pounds shall be further borrowed upon the security of such of the premises respectively exposed to sale by the said Acts, by way of doubling the like sum or sums as shall be due to any person or persons. Body politic or Corporate, for any money, plate, horse, arms, or other things advanced upon the public Faith, or which hath been at any time allowed by any Act or Ordinance of Parliament to be doubled, together with the interest upon such public Faith debts after the rate of 8. per cent. until the stating of such debts and interest, by the persons named and appointed in and by an Act for sale of several lands & estates forfeited to the Commonwealth for treason. In relation to which doubling, the Trustees, Treasurers, Registers, Accountants, and all other Officers concerned therein, are required to proceed according to the directions of the Acts of Parliament in like case made and provided. Provided also that where any purchaser or purchasers, his or their assign or assigns shall tender any Bills or Receipts by this Ordinance made applicable for payment of any second moiety, other than such Bills or Receipts, as by his or their contract ought to have been applied thereunto: the party or parties so tendering such Bills or Receipts, shall defalk so much more in value, as shall countervail the interest incurred by his or their elapsed time. For which second Moieties, as also defalcations as aforesaid, the said Treasurers, or one of them, are hereby authorized to give such purchaser his or their receipt or acquittance and re-conveyance accordingly. Paris 14. May new stile. The Commissioners for the Protestants have waited long on the Court, and can get no answer of their complaints except some promises at large that their just grievances shall be redressed in due time; but for the present the Court is wholly given to pleasure. His Majesty is to go from Fontainebleau the next week, and great preparations are making for him to go Rheimes, against the day of his Coronation. Charles Stuart and the Duke of York came yesterday to the Palace Royal, from taking their pleasure in the country. A Messenger is arrived here from Scotland which talks of high matters, glorying much at Middleton's success since his going thither. And now here is a hot report that the Stuarts will be gone out of France very shortly. From Doway 12. May. The Spanish Forces are come into these parts, which makes us sufficiently miserable, by their plundering and foraging the country. Some say they have a design against Bassee, now the French have drawn all their Forces towards the sea side for fear of the English. Francis Duke of Lorraine is come to Brussels with his two sons, and was very nobly received by the Archduke Leopold, who gave unto him the upper hand, and allotted him the chief lodgings at the Court. The Officers of the Army are invited to the Court to be acquainted with this their new General, and after that he will repair to the Army, and endeavour to get the love of the Soldiery. Portsmouth, 11. May. Here are seven or eight of our Frigates, which are to hasten after the main Fleet, which is gone towards the Downs. There came unto this Port a Merchant ship bound for London. The Skipper sayeth, he was in great danger to be taken by the Brest men of war, which lose no time, but the scouting up and down about the West of London, and very lately took a Merchant ship belonging to Bristol, we hear that at S. Malos there was some gross affronts offered to the English Factors, and others, and that some were imprisoned, but by the King's special command to the Governor, all things are now quiet there. At Rochel, 5. new Frigates are making ready, and great preparations are all along upon the French Coast. Their Garrisons filled with soldiers, and their Castles and Magazines supplied with Ammunition and victual, as if they expected nothing but a sudden war. Rotterdam 8. May. Some Merchants have letters thus. Since the publication of the Articles of Peace with England, and order given for the departure of the Royal Party (according to the time limited in and by the said Articles) they and the vulgar sort of the Aurange Party begin to spurn and kick, endeavouring to stir up, if possible, dissention amongst ourselves, but the States have committed some to prison, and issued forth very strict orders against any that shall disturb the present peace. There was lately a fire in one of the State's houses, which is conjectured to be kindled by some of the Royal Party. There is news here that at S. Malos one or more Englishmen have lately been assaulted and slain by the French, and that the Merchant's goods are made stay of. Reading 12. May. This week were committed to the Town Gaol: nine persons (men and women) who are charged with witch craft, they were apprehended within two or three miles of Okingham, where they were making merry and exercising feats of activity in several shapes. The Lords of the Council sit every day very close at Whitehall upon great and weighty affairs. Four Forests are to be sold for the Soldiery. Dublin 6. May. All things here are very quiet, eight and ten of a Company are drawn out and sent Northward to be transported into Scotland. The Native Irish are drawn together in Conaingh. This day the Sessions in the Old Bailey ended, seven persons received sentence of death, Downs and Smith were found guilty of coining half Crowns shillings & sixpences of several stamps, viz. K. James, K. Charles, and the States. The rings were good silver, but the middle course and base metal. 'Twas proved that when some did speak of the money, Downes said these words, We do make it: and at another time Smith said, I do make it. So the best evidence was out of their own mouths. He that ripped off the lead off S. Paul's Church, as well as took down the scaffolds is fined 1200. pound, and adjudged to perpetual imprisonment. The rest that be condemned are for robberies of several sorts. A lone house in Tuthil fields was lately robbed, all the goods clean carried away, and the woman almost killed. Reader take notice. That (for thy ease and satisfaction) the sum of the whole week's intelligence is comprised in this one sheet.
Perfect Diurnall Occurrences, Issue 2

Dataset Card for lancaster_newsbooks

Dataset Summary

This corpus consists of two collections of seventeenth-century English "newsbooks". Both were drawn from the Thomason Tracts collection, which is held at the British Library and available in graphical form via Early English Books Online (EEBO). The construction of these keyboarded versions were in both cases funded by the British Academy.

The FIRST collection (1654_newsbooks) consists of every newsbook published in London and still surviving in the Thomason Tracts from the first half of 1654 (to be precise, for the second half of December 1653 to the end of May 1654, with one or two additions from the first week in June, 1654). This was constructed for the project "Looking at text re-use in a corpus of seventeenth-century news reportage", funded by the British Academy, grant reference SG-33825.

The SECOND collection (mercurius_fumigosus) consists of every surviving issue published of the highly idiosyncratic newsbook "Mercurius Fumigosus", written by John Crouch between summer 1654 and early autumn 1655. This was constructed for the project "Decoding the news - Mercurius Fumigosus as a source of news in the interregnum, 1654-1655", funded by the British Academy, grant reference LRG-35423.

This is version 1.0 of the corpus, released April 2007; it supercedes earlier versions circulated informally.

For more information about the corpus, see www.ling.lancs.ac.uk/newsbooks

Supported Tasks and Leaderboards

text-classification: This dataset can be used to augent existing datasets to find stylistic differences between texts from different time periods

Languages

The language in this dataset is English from 1654. The associated BCP-47 code is en:GB

Dataset Structure

Data Instances

{
'id': 'PerfAcc170', 
'text': "Another late fight in Scotland, betwixt Col. Morgan and the Highlanders; with the number that were slain and taken Prisoners. The removing of Lieut. Col. John Lilburn from the Tower of London. The readiness of our Fleet for new action, though Peace be agreed on with Holland and Denmark. The taking of several more Prizes at sea. An Order of the Commissioners for the Trial and Approbation of public Preachers. Several proceedings of His Highness the Lord Protector and his Council, and another Ordinance touching 
the adjourning of the Term. Together with variety of choice Intelligence from several Foreign parts. From Wednesday APRIL 5 TO Wednesday April 12. 1654. Many Addresses were made to his Highness the Lord Protector, in the name of the City and County of York, and other places, wherein they acknowledge the great blessing of God to this Nation, that they have so great, so good and able a Protector. This day the Sessions began in the Old Bailey, and one of those that committed the late Robbery on Black-Heath, being called to his Trial, he refused to plead; but more  hereafter. This evening about 9 of the Clock, the Dutch Ambassadors signed and sealed the Ratification of the Articles of Peace so long spoken of; so did likewise the Commissioners appointed to treat with them by his Highness the Lord Protector. Paris April 11, 1654. The Cardinal de Retz being removed from Vincennes by the Marshal de la Mesteray, is now safe arrived at Nantes, and put into the Castle. The Court Emissaries give out that he is not to be long there, but in a few days to be set at liberty, only that his Majesty desireth satisfaction upon some certain points, although the main drift is to make him surrender his place of Archbishop of this City. The Commissioners of Languedoc cannot yet prevail in anything upon their Complaints, but are like the Commissioners of Catalonia, who hitherto have prevailed no further than to receive many fair words, but nothing effectual, the main work now in hand, is to find monies speedily for the setting forth of the Army, that they may be in the field as soon as may be, and to that end the Partisans are not wanting to find out new ways for exacting of monies, preferring large sums to be put into the King's Coffers, the difficulty lieth only in the effecting of it, by reason that the Country is in most places so exhausted of monies, that they are scarce able to live: The design for the King's Coronation is now on foot again, and if I am rightly informed, it will be done about the middle of May next, which being done, his Majesty shall go upon the borders and down to Picardy to forward his Army in their Action, so much the rather, by reason 
that the Prince of Conde, whom we hear was last week at Valenciennes, and then taking a view of his Army, is returned to Bruxels, there to confer with the Archduke Leopoldus for to obtain money and other necessaries for the march of his Army, that so they may fall to action as soon as the weather and season will give them leave, his Lady and son are still at Rocroy, where they are expecting some alteration to their present condition. The Earl of Harcourt hath not yet received any answer from the Court upon those proposals which he lately 
sent to the Court. We have news, that the Duke Francis hath at last accepted the command of his Brother the Duke of Lorrain's Army, and is expected there in a few days, which our Cardinal doth very well relish. The forces that were in the Country of Liege are now marching homewards, and are to be quartered in Lorrain. The great preparation for an Armado to go from Marseilles and Touloon, is much at a stand, only there are lately 5 men of War gone to Sea, and 3 more are to follow, but upon no design than to rob and plunder upon the sea, sparing scarce any they encounter, whether they be friends or foes. This day his Highness the Lord Protector and his Council, passed an Ordinance for adjourning of Easter Term, from and after the first Return thereof, called Quindena Pasch, until the first Return of Trinity Term, called Crastino Trinatatis. Dalkieth, April 3. Cap. Sherwin Commander of the Primrose, and Cap. Smith Commander of the Duchess, in their return from Orkney, took a Dutch vessel laden with French and Spanish Wines, linen Cloth, and other good commodities, bound for 
the West Indies; they sent her into Aberdeen. Some young Lairds and others purposing to glean a party of horse in Lothian, and repair to the enemy, are taken, and brought hither prisoners. Aberdeen, April 1. The Earl of Athol is come to Glencarn with about 700 horse and foot, Seaford and some new raised forces are daily expected to join with them. Glencarn with his whole force, consisting of 2000 horse and foot, is at Dingwel, two miles from Brahan, not undeserving the name of an Island, so that we hope to engage them there. In order whereunto Lieut. Col. Mitchell is marched towards Inverness with 9 companies of Foot, and Col. Morgan hath followed him with 5 troops of Col Rich his Regiment, and 4 troops of Dragoons; he intends to take Col. Tomlinson's Regiment, which is in his way, and to draw 5 companies of Foot out of Inverness. From Cows in the Isle of Wight, April 6. A private man of War hath, about two days since, taken and brought in hither two French vessels, one of which is laden with Salt, the other hath but little except ballast; Our Fleet is for the most part near St. Helens point and the rest as the Spits head, being in all near 100 sail, gallant ships, and bravely accommodated. One of our Frigates hath taken a Holland ship, and carried her to Portsmouth; she hath in her 8 Bales of Paper, and some small quantity of Indico. Many ships that were here, went away yesterday morning towards the Downs; and several Merchants' ships are at present here in this road, being detained by contrary winds; they expect some favourable Easterly gales, that so they may proceed on their intended voyages. Deal, April 7. A man of War of ours is this morning gone for Holland, to get the Ratification of the Peace made with them, and an Express from the Dutch Ambassador, touching the Agreement. Most part of the ships which remained in this Road, are gone up into the River of Thames; here is only some few left that are bound to the Southward. A Fleet consisting of about 40 or 50 sail of ships, great and small, passed by this place, which we suppose to be the Dunkirk fleet bound for London. Because many will not give credit to the Agreement of Peace between the Commonwealths of England and Holland, (though their Unbelief proceeds from several causes, some prejudicately fearing the worst, and others wishing and desiring rather than the Fountain of Blood may still be open) We can, and do assure you, That the Articles (as 
we said before) were signed and sealed by the Commissioners on both sides, on Wednesday night last, and within 14 days are to be signed and sealed by the Lord Protector, and the States of Holland, and then to publicly proclaimed and published, both in England and Holland 
in one day. The Agreement with Denmark is also taken in upon the Articles: And for satisfaction of the loss which our English Merchants sustained by that King's command, whose demands amount to about 150000l. it is referred to four Merchants, two whereof to be English, and the other two Dutch; which four Merchants shall have absolute power to determine those demands within the space of twenty days; the place where they are to sit, is Guildhall. As touching the business of Amboyna, it is referred to eight Commissioners, who have six months time to agree thereon, and in case they agree not, then Umpires are nominated to determine that business. Let those that delight themselves in blood, have blood to drink, for they are worthy. From Legorn, March 23. thus. This week in the sight of this City was a sore fight between two ships at Sea, the one Dutchman of War of 32 guns, and the other an English ship called the Expedition, who came from Zant with Currans; the fight lasted 6 hours, but night having parted them, both ships sunk; most of the men were saved, but nothing else, though the fight was near the shore. It is advertised from Cullen, That the Treaty between that Elector and the Spanish Commissioners, is brought to perfection, and signed, which is, That both French and Spanish shall have free passage through the Country of Liege, not committing any acts of hostility upon each other; and the Spaniards in point of satisfaction for the losses received from them and the Lorrainers, shall pay to the said Elector 200000 Rixdollars out of the Duke of Lorrain's estate, and for security of performance, the Lordship of Kerpen, and another in Gulick shall be put into his hands until full payment. From Poland thus. The General of the Cossacks hath delivered up three very considerable places to the Muscovite, and caused himself to be re baptized after the Muscovia manner, which is so 
ill resented by all sorts of people in that Country, that the Commanders sent to the King of Poland, That if he pleased to send them a general pardon for what they had done, and the rest of the Army, they will return with the major part of the Army into his Majesty's service; which hath so incensed the General, that having caused them to be apprehended he hath made each of them shorter by the head, which hath caused much heart burning among the people. Whereas many abuses and corruptions are crept into the ordinary course and administration of Justice, both in Law and Equity, the reformation whereof hath not yet been attained; Out of a tender care and desire that so necessary and good a work may at length be brought to effect, it is held convenient that so necessary and good a work may at length be brought to effect, it is held convenient that so necessary and good a work may at length be brought to effect, it is held convenient and necessary to adjourn part of the next Term of Easter; be if therefore Ordained by his Highness the Lord Protector, by and with the consent of his Council, That part of the said Term of Easter now next coming be adjourned, that is to say, from and after the first Return, called Quindena Pasch, unto the last Return of the said Easter Term, called Crastino Ascensionis; And all and every person or persons, which have cause, or commandment to appear in any of the Courts at Westminster, in or at any day or time, from and after the said Return, called Quindena Pasch, may tarry at their dwellings, or where their business shall lie, without resorting to any of the said Courts for that 
Cause, until the said last Return, called Crastino Ascensionis, without danger or forfeiture, penalty or contempt to be in that behalf. And be it also ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That Writs of Adjournment shall be directed to the Justices of the said Courts, and 
Barons of the Exchequer, giving them authority to adjourn the said part of the said Term of Easter, as aforesaid, that is to say, from and after the said first Return called Quindena Pasch, until the said last Return of the said Term, called Crastino Ascensionis, as before is said, and the said adjournment shall be made, as aforesaid. And be it further Ordained, That all Matters, Causes and Suits, depending in any of the said Courts, shall have continuance, and the parties shall have day, from the day of the said Adjournment, until the said Return of Crastino Ascensionis, as is aforesaid; and the Lord's Commissioners of the Great Seal are required to issue forth Writs accordingly. And be it further Ordained, That a former Ordinance of the sixth day of this instant April, for the Adjourning of part of the 
said Term, until the first Return of Trinity Term next, called Crastino Trinitatis, be from henceforth Repealed and void. And it is lastly Ordained by the Authority aforesaid, That the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, and all other Sheriffs both in England and Wales, do 
forthwith proclaim and publish this Ordinance in the chief Market Towns and usual places within their several and respective Counties. Lieutenant Colonel John Lilburn being said to have again attempted something against the State, is removed from the Tower to be prisoner 
in some more remote place. The titular King of Scots is still at Paris, and of late something more merry than ordinary. The Deputies for Languedoc telling him, that if there were a Peace concluded with England, it would be well for all the Protestants in France; He made answer that he was glad of it, for it would then be the better for himself. This day was the Gaol delivery; three were hanged, one whereof died most desperately, and going up the Cart, drank a health to the Devil's Majesty: One was pressed last Saturday, and being afterwards heard to groan, was carried down to the Press-yard again to have the execution dispatched. The Commissioners for Approbation of public Ministers, sate at Whitehall, and divers Certificates were presented unto them in behalf of several particular persons, for approbation; and in regard that none hereafter should out of carelessness of partiality set their hands to a Certificate for any person that hereafter should out of carelessness or partiality let their hands to a Certificate for any person that hereafter may be found unworthy to be admitted, and so become prejudicial to the Church of Christ, and frustrate the intentions of our Governors which made this Ordinance; the said Commissioners do earnestly beseech all whom it may concern (in the bowels of Christ) as they tender the honour of the great God 
himself, whose servants we all are, the prejudice of the souls of his people purchased by the blood of his Son, the advancement and propagation of his Gospel, through all the parts of this Land and Nation, whereunto we belong, so to lend assistance both of their fervent prayers, and due informations, that thereby the work may be carried on more prosperously, and the Commissioners more encouraged to attend it. Signed in the name, and at the request of the Commissioners for Approbation of public Preachers. By Francis Rouse, Io. Arrowsmith. 
William Goss. Stephen Marshall. The last Letters from Edinburgh speak of another Engagement betwixt Col. Morgan, and the Enemy; but they tell us not the particulars, only they say, that the Enemy is once more dispersed, and driven further up into the mountains, with the loss of about 200 men. The peace with Holland being concluded (as you heard before) our Merchants are lading of goods on shipboard, as fast as Lighters can be gotten to carry them where the ships ride at anchor. We likewise hear of the like preparations in Holland for transporting of goods of several sorts hither. And now all the rest of Europe are at a stand, or at leastwise stand gazing upon us, and begin to cast about with themselves, what action may be great and considerable enough for to be undertaken next by those great Fleets, which are as ready for action as any opportunity can be to offer itself. How they will be disposed of Time will discover. London, Printed by E. Alsop 1654.", 
'title': 'A Perfect Account, Issue 170'}

Data Fields

{
"id": Unique identifier for that data point("string"),
"text": Text in that datapoint("string"),
"title": The title of the news article("string")
}

Data Splits

Train: 303

Dataset Creation

Curation Rationale

The FIRST collection (1654_newsbooks) consists of every newsbook published in London and still surviving in the Thomason Tracts from the first half of 1654 (to be precise, for the second half of December 1653 to the end of May 1654, with one or two additions from the first week in June, 1654) and was constructed for the project "Looking at text re-use in a corpus of seventeenth-century news reportage", funded by the British Academy, grant reference SG-33825. The SECOND collection (mercurius_fumigosus) consists of every surviving issue published of the highly idiosyncratic newsbook "Mercurius Fumigosus", written by John Crouch between summer 1654 and early autumn 1655. This was constructed for the project "Decoding the news - Mercurius Fumigosus as a source of news in the interregnum, 1654-1655", funded by the British Academy, grant reference LRG-35423.

Source Data

Initial Data Collection and Normalization

This corpus was created by the Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University.

Who are the source language producers?

The original data was humna-generated from existing newsbooks

Annotations

Annotation process

[N/A]

Who are the annotators?

[N/A]

Personal and Sensitive Information

None, since this dataset is from 1654

Considerations for Using the Data

Social Impact of Dataset

This dataset provides an insight into the news and social systems from 17th century England

Discussion of Biases

The dataset is from the 17th century and some articles might reflect social biases of the time in terms of sexuality, gender, race, etc.

Other Known Limitations

[N/A]

Additional Information

Dataset Curators

This corpus was created by the Department of Linguistics and English Language, Lancaster University.

Project leader: Tony McEnery Corpus editor: Andrew Hardie

Licensing Information

Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License

Citation Information

@misc{20.500.12024/2531, title = {The Lancaster Newsbooks Corpus}, author = {Thomason, George, d. 1666}, url = {http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12024/2531}, note = {Oxford Text Archive}, copyright = {Distributed by the University of Oxford under a Creative Commons Attribution-{NonCommercial}-{ShareAlike} 3.0 Unported License.}, year = {2005} }

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